KEY POINTS
- Security firms in Zimbabwe partner with Police support unit to enhance protection against the increase in nationwide robberies.
- In a recent workshop, senior police officers stressed the need to adapt traditional policing to combat criminal tactics.
- Nathaniel Madzivanyika calls for enhanced public trust and community involvement to tackle crimes ranging from drug abuse to armed robberies.
As Zimbabwe grapples with a spike in robbery cases, security companies are strengthening their collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit to bolster protection for high-risk operations such as cash-in-transit deliveries.
The strategic partnership aims to curb incidents that have put both businesses and residents at risk.
Partnership to combat rising robberies
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit, traditionally focused on public order and infrastructure protection, is now actively engaged in securing commercial assets.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the deployment, advising businesses needing assistance to approach the Commissioner-General of Police directly. “There is nothing unusual about security firms requesting police support,” Nyathi stated, adding that police offer training and security services.
A recent Crime Liaison Committee workshop in Harare gathered senior police officials and CLC representatives to strengthen police-community cooperation.
Harare workshop highlights rising crime and collaboration
The workshop focused on adapting to evolving criminal tactics, highlighting the growing collaboration between police and community partners.
Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, Officer Commanding Harare, voiced concerns over increasingly audacious criminal behavior, citing a recent $4 million daylight heist as a wake-up call for modernizing crime-fighting strategies. “Criminals are becoming more cunning, necessitating a reevaluation of our traditional methods,” Chikunguru said, stressing the importance of intelligence sharing with the CLC.
Nathaniel Madzivanyika, the CLC chairperson for Harare Province, commended the workshop’s outcomes and emphasized the need to rebuild public trust in law enforcement. “Strong relationships and trust between police and the community are crucial,” he stated, highlighting the importance of collaboration. He noted that today’s interconnected world has introduced sophisticated crimes to Zimbabwe, making effective policing essential.
Community Policing and Trust Building
Madzivanyika praised the police’s scientific crime prevention, stressing community involvement against issues like drug abuse and armed robbery.
He urged community policing to counter major threats like terrorism, saying, “Engaging with the community is vital for public safety.”
He urged citizens to contribute to a safer society prioritizing unity and trust. “Together, we must create a united front to restore security,” he asserted.
By collaborating with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit, security companies bolster their capabilities and support national crime-fighting efforts. However, the success of these initiatives depends on cooperation, transparency, and a commitment to the rule of law from all stakeholders.
