Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has rubbished claims by a private security company that armed robberies are spiralling out of control, insisting that only the police have the mandate to release national crime statistics.
This follows a report by Securico Security Services, published in a local media outlet on 22 August under the headline “Armed robberies get out of control as top security firm calls for heightened vigilance.”
In a strongly worded statement, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that it has a constitutional mandate of investigating all armed robbery cases and publicising the statistics if need be. Private security companies, individuals or syndicates have no mandate to give national statistics on the security and safety situation in the country as this causes confusion, alarm and panic among the business community, public and potential investors.”
For the record, ZRP says between January and 21 August 2025, 531 robbery suspects were arrested, with 206 convictions recorded. Police say their CID Crack Teams are intensifying operations, citing recent arrests of notorious suspects in Beitbridge and Harare.
Among those nabbed are Tinashe Nkomo alias Sadamu or Jeck (39), Future Moyo (35), Decent Moyo (35), Obey Chiware (38), Wiseman Muleya (30), Tendai Mapira (45), Khumbulani Mabhena (42) and Admire Charumbira (36). In Harare, Wellington Chamunorwa (35) and Jacob
Sibanda alias Shumba were also picked up.
Comm Nyathi stressed that while police value cooperation with private security companies, their role remains limited to commercial security such as cash-in-transit services and guarding businesses or homes.
“Security companies and individuals are therefore urged to engage the Commissioner-General of Police’s office regularly in order to share notes and avoid causing panic among Zimbabweans,” he added.
Police also revealed they are rolling out nationwide awareness campaigns targeting corporates, churches, communities and families, urging people not to keep large sums of cash at homes or business premises.
No synonyms found.
