Zimbabwean News You Can Trust
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) today held an engagement meeting with managers of fuel service stations, as reported cases of armed robberies continue to rise at an alarming level in Harare.
According to police, Harare Province alone recorded over 12 armed robbery cases at fuel service stations in less than two months, with victims of the scourge losing huge sums of money and their properties damaged.
Speaking during the meeting in Harare today, Officer commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Wonder Tembo implored service station managers to strengthen their security systems, while promising them that the police will increase patrols around service stations during high risk hours.
“At your service stations, you need to adopt enhanced security measures and employ fully armed, thoroughly-vetted and well trained security guards from trusted companies. We also recommend the installation of state of the art surveillance systems both within the premises and in the surrounding areas,” advised Tembo.
“Lastly, we view swift response as crucial in apprehending armed robbers and preventing future accidents. Going forward as ZRP, we commit ourselves to increasing patrols in the vicinity of service stations, particularly during high risk hours,” he added.
Meanwhile, Thuli service station site manager Mr. Doubt Gwatida applauded the police for inviting them to the engagement meeting, adding that their cooperation with service station owners will help curb armed robbery cases in the capital.
Thuli service station site manager Mr. Doubt Gwatida
“Having such of these meetings with the police will help us implement and tighten our security to ensure our safety and we also appreciate regular police patrols, because it may deter those who would be offenders by putting a stop to any chances of robberies at our service stations,” said Gwatida.
The police engagement with service station managers comes barely a week after as yet unidentified suspects attacked two security guards and a fuel attendant at a Harare service station at Corner Gleneagles and Green Trees Road on February 17, getting away with US$2 210 as well as cellphones and a CCTV server.
