Up security, businesspeople advised

Victor Maphosa
Herald Reporter
BUSINESSPEOPLE have been advised to ramp up security measures at their premises and homes to keep armed robbers at bay.

The warning from police comes as Zimbabwe has recorded a spike in armed robbery cases targeting service stations, cash-in-transit vans, homes owned by businesspeople and some financial institutions.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with armed robbery cases which were recorded in the last two weeks with criminals targeting service stations and some financial institutions.

“The police, therefore, urges service station operators and financial institutions to step up security at premises during operational hours and periods of delivery involving large sums of money.

“Security companies contracted to offer services at these service stations and financial institutions are implored to be vigilant and ensure information on cash movements are not released or leaked to each and every employee.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said financial transactions and cash movements should be done discreetly and at unknown times, to prevent armed robberies.

Service station operators were also advised to regularly bank their cash and ensure small amounts were kept at premises.

“This will minimise chances of large sums of money being taken away by criminals,” he said.

Two service stations were hit by armed robbers in Bulawayo last week and lost thousands of dollars.

At one of the service stations, the robbers were so daring that they, after being disappointed at finding less cash, tied the attendants and started fuelling cars themselves for three hours and got away once they were satisfied with the collections.

Police are presently investigating an armed robbery incident which occurred in Zambezi Park, Gweru, on March 7 where six unknown suspects attacked a family and went away with US$23 000.

“The suspects exchanged fire with police officers who initially attended the report, resulting in the injury of two members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“The police reiterates that all criminals involved in robbery cases at business and private premises will be severely dealt with in terms of the country’s laws.

“We urge the public to continue giving the police information so that arrests can be swiftly effected. The public should feel free to report on National Complaints Desk telephone number 0242-703631 or Harare operations telephone number 0242-748836 or Bulawayo Operations telephone number 09-885479 and WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.”