Crimes involving firearms have surged significantly, with incidents now three times higher than before, signaling a severe escalation and prompting calls for stronger action from law enforcement and their partners, a senior police official has stated.
Security guards are also under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in planning and carrying out heists across the country.
During a Security Stakeholders meeting, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, Officer Commanding Harare Province, emphasized the need for thorough vetting processes when hiring security personnel. His remarks were delivered by Assistant Commissioner Sithulisiwe Mthimkhulu, responsible for crime and operations in Chitungwiza and Epworth.
The Commissioner expressed deep concern over insider involvement, where some security guards participate in criminal schemes or leak sensitive information to offenders.
“We deeply value the contributions of our security partners, including security companies, officers, and loss control experts,” said Commissioner Chikunguru.
“You are on the frontlines of safeguarding businesses and communities. However, security demands have intensified as crime becomes more prevalent and sophisticated.
“We’re seeing a significant rise in traditional crimes such as theft, robbery, and burglary, alongside the increasing use of advanced tactics by criminals to bypass security systems. Alarmingly, crimes involving firearms have tripled, highlighting the urgent need for security guards to be well-trained, vigilant, and properly equipped.”
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He also noted that criminals are becoming bolder, often committing offenses in broad daylight, a behavior possibly linked to drug abuse.
“Many of these offenders are habitual criminals, relying on illegal activities for their livelihood. Countering such individuals requires a dedicated and professional security workforce. I urge security firms to enhance the supervision and training of their personnel.
“Additionally, adequate compensation is essential to prevent guards from abandoning their posts due to a perceived imbalance between risk and reward.”
Detective Inspector Anele Mkandla of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Division raised concerns about security companies being targeted by armed robbers.
“Unfortunately, some security firms fail to resist armed robberies effectively. In several cases, reaction teams have been overpowered, disarmed, and left vulnerable. The stolen weapons are then used in subsequent crimes,” said Detective Inspector Mkandla.
He stressed the importance of equipping security guards with proper training in firearm handling to enable them to respond effectively in high-risk situations.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Sibanda, overseeing crime in Harare, encouraged security companies to maintain close collaboration with the police to combat criminal activities.
The meeting, attended by representatives of various security firms, highlighted the shared responsibility of tackling the evolving nature of crime.