Who is behind surge in armed robberies?

An alarming surge in armed robbery cases targeting security companies has prompted authorities to investigate potential collusion between security personnel, bank officials, and criminal elements. Law enforcement officials have suggested that many of these cases involve insiders, with security guards and bank officials suspected to be providing crucial information to criminals on cash movements. An ominous 11 percent surge in robberies, has sounded the alarm for Zimbabwe’s police force to devise and implement effective strategies to combat crime and engender public trust.

According to police reports, recent heists have resulted in significant financial losses, with over US$52 500 stolen from a cash-in-transit vehicle and a company in two separate incidents this week. The incidents occurred between October 15 and 16, in Bulawayo and Masvingo. On Wednesday in Masvingo, US$20 000 was stolen from a cash-in-transit vehicle belonging to a private security company.

The vehicle was transporting cash from Beitbridge to Mutare, and curiously, the crew offered a lift to two unknown passengers at Lutumba Service Centre and Machiloni, Beitbridge. The passengers were later dropped off, and on arrival at Ngundu, the crew discovered that a locked metal cash box containing the cash was missing. In another case of robbery which occurred on Tuesday in Belmont, Bulawayo, US$32 500 and R300 cash was stolen after seven robbers who were armed with pistols and a pick, stormed a steel company.

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