Crimes and Courts Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rise in US dollar cash transactions has led to a spike in violent crimes, making the country a prime target for armed robbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, “businesses, banks, and individuals are now more susceptible to daring attacks on cash-in-transit vehicles, shops, and even homes”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities have reported an alarming “11 percent surge in robberies,” prompting police to develop and implement strategies to combat crime and restore public trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several high-profile incidents have underscored this growing threat. For instance, in Bulawayo\u2019s city centre, Ecobank was robbed by a six-person group, with criminals making off with US$4 million last month. Additionally, “a Cowdray Park family\u2019s home was raided by armed robbers who stole over US$25,000”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other notable incidents include a robbery at ABC Auctions in Harare in 2022, where criminals stole a staggering US$1.4 million, and a January 2021 heist on the Harare-Chinhoyi Road, where robbers ambushed a cash-in-transit vehicle and made off with US$2.775 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These incidents highlight the alarming frequency and audacity of armed robberies across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned the public, financial institutions, and businesses about handling large amounts of cash. He stated,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Naturally, money attracts criminals. Members of the public, as we always emphasise, should desist from keeping large amounts of money in their homes, on their persons, or in their companies”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He advised that money should always be kept in banks and only small amounts should be kept for incidentals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commissioner Nyathi also emphasized the need for financial institutions to “reconfigure their security standards” to ward off criminals. He noted,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“A serious need to upgrade security standards is required there,” especially on days when large transactions are expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the mining sector, he urged players to avoid flaunting wealth, saying,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Players in this industry are most at risk because they like to be flashy and keep large amounts of money on them”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also highlighted the importance of vetting staff in the security industry, referencing an incident where a cash-in-transit crew was robbed after offering a lift to a stranger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Businessman Mr. Louis Herbst expressed concern over the rise in armed robberies, particularly those targeting the forex sector. He stated,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The surge in criminal activity has raised concerns among business owners and the public, underscoring the need for urgent discussions on effective preventive measures”. He emphasized the importance of restoring confidence in Zimbabwe\u2019s banking sector, asserting,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Banks serve as the backbone of our economy, and it is essential that we not only trust in their capabilities but actively engage with them”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Herbst also called for businesses to invest in advanced security measures and cultivate a culture of security awareness among employees. He noted,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The banking sector also has a pivotal role to play in this endeavour” by enhancing services with secure transaction methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Economist Mr. George Nhepera echoed the call for individuals and businesses to bank their money securely, stating,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Banks have strong vaults with the capacity to keep our money safe under lock and key”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stressed the need for the security sector and banking community to tighten efforts in addressing armed robberies, including implementing strong internal control systems to minimize security breaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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