Install security systems, police say as CCTV foota...

Install security systems, police say as CCTV footage sells out Masvingo armed robbers linked to 25 cases

Audrey Galawu

Police have urged business owners to install security systems after CCTV footage captured in Renco led to arrest of two men linked to 25 cases of armed robbery and one of unlawful entry and theft.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores business owners to enhance security systems at business premises,” the police said in a statement.

In the same statement the police announced the arrest of two men aged Nelson Matsvange, 44, and Frank Tirivangani, 36, in connection with 26 crimes.

“On 01st May 2022, detectives from CID Masvingo arrested Nelson Matsvange at Village 13 Crown Range, Zaka after CCTV footage linked him to a case of armed robbery which occurred at Musvovi Business Centre, Renco, Masvingo,” the police said.

Matsvange went on to implicate three other suspects. One of them Frank Tirivani has since been arrested while the other two remain at large.

Police said the arrests led to the recovery of several items including an AK 47 rifle with a magazine of 31 live rounds of ammunition, five mobile phone handsets, a laptop, a satchel, two machetes a comforter and US$50 cash.

“The suspects are linked to 25 cases of armed robbery and one case of unlawful entry into premises and theft which occurred at Manjirenji Game Park, Chiredzi in March 2022 where an AK 47 rifle with 31 rounds of live ammunition were stolen,” the police said.

The police said the suspects have been linked to a robbery that occurred at Machiva Clinic in Zaka earlier this year and four cases that happened at Gororo in Chivi among other cases.

Security systems expert Mr Pardon Batanai Makumucha of Pardrtronics Security Technologies told Zim Now that CCTV is the best way reduce losses.

“The use of CCTV Surveillance systems has significantly helped in capturing criminals the world over,” said Mr Makumucha.

He also said premise owners should consider sophisticated systems that can defeat inside job trends.

“There's now use of spy cameras which are very secretive to non-users. This is important as CCTV is not only meant for outsiders but some criminal activities are orchestrated internally,” said Mr Makumucha.

He also said one can monitor their premises 24/7 in real time: “CCTV has also since advanced to the point where one can view many sites from one single application on the mobile Phone”.

There have been many cases of CCTV selling out thieves and robbers. Two women and a man were captured while stealing from a Gunhill shop in Harare last year.