Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
BUSINESSES in Bulawayo have been urged to invest in effective security systems to protect themselves from a rising wave of robberies that have plagued the city.
With armed robberies becoming more frequent in recent months, there is an increasing demand for businesses to implement measures to secure their premises.
Speaking at a Peace Security Company business luncheon on Wednesday, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube said there was a need for collaboration to tackle crime.
“It is indeed an honour to attend this important event where leaders in the different sectors of our economy have converged to learn more about the crime trends affecting our country. The crime rate has reached alarming levels and there is a need to put our heads together to tackle this problem,” she said.
“It is indeed commendable to see Peace Security Company taking this positive initiative of conscientising the people. We hope to see more of these private-public partnerships (PPPs) across sectors.”
She said security was very important and it was an essential need for businesses. Minister Ncube said it was advisable to engage tried and tested security companies like Peace Security who have been in the industry for more than 20 years to take care of companies’ assets, staff as well as intellectual property.
“More so, established security companies have the expertise that is required to advice businesses on how to minimise risks. Security is a bottom-line contributor to the profitability of any business. A business that does not invest in a proper security system risks incurring losses,” she said.
She said this was the time that Zimbabwe is open for business and the country was attracting foreign investors to come and explore business opportunities, as such, security plays a very critical part.
Minister Ncube said investors should feel at home and not have any fear of losing their investments and assets as the risk will be minimised.
“We do not want to be viewed as a high-risk country, especially at this critical time as we labour to be an upper middle-income economy by 2030. Together, let us build the Bulawayo, which will help us thrive and be proud of uBulawayo omuhle.”
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, urged businesses to take proper measures to protect and safeguard their premises.
Giving statistics, he said for armed robbery, last year in October there were two cases and this year there were 13 in the same month.
He added: “Apart from armed robberies, robberies with other weapons last year were 56, where machete, knives and knobkerries, among other things were used, this time around the cases were 80, an increase by 24 cases. Robberies where people are using their physical advantage over others were 65 last year and 60 this year.”
Insp Ncube said the statistics continue to be worrisome, calling on people to comply when faced with an armed robbery.
He said whatever looks like a firearm should be considered as one because telling the difference during a robbery could be challenging.
“A toy gun in the eyes of the victim is a firearm, then what, just comply. Do not scream or make unnecessary movements, while it is better to lose whatever amount of money than to lose life because it is not replaceable,” he said.
Insp Ncube said businesses were more likely to be robbed as they appear as easy targets, giving an example of 10 cases targeting filling stations that have been reported just this month.
He called on businesses to improve their lighting systems, rotate guards and avoid having large sums of money on their premises, among other tips.
Peace Security Company chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Abel Mubango said their mission was to be the leading provider of comprehensive security solutions nationally and beyond to the satisfaction of our stakeholders.
“We have adequate insurance policies in place and we are ISO:9001:2015 QMS Certified. We are a customer-centric organisation that provide clients with monthly reports, well trained, disciplined and motivated staff for all sectors of the economy, while we put in place an open door policy and visit customers from time to time,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu