Story by Theophilus Chuma
Vice President Kembo Mohadi says collaboration between private security firms and government is key in combating crime at a time when criminals are becoming more evasive through the use of technology.
Spiking cases involving white collar crimes in the country have ignited focus on ways to counter the vice which is bleeding the nation of millions of dollars annually.
To plug the financial leakages, government is urging security firms to collaborate in fighting crime, which is evolving at a fast pace, not only in Zimbabwe, but globally.
At the inaugural Security Companies Summit, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who was represented by Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, noted that crime undermines the aspirations targeted under vision 2030.
“The future demands that we adapt to ever-evolving threats and challenges, from physical security threats to sophisticated cyber and financial crimes. As the custodians of safety and protection, you must harness the power of modern technology embracing innovations such as artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and advanced risk assessments to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of security services. The sophistication of crime today calls for every stakeholder to put both hands on the deck. Partnerships between private security firms, law enforcement, and anti-corruption agencies are more crucial today than ever before,” he said.
Across the world, financial crimes are a huge risk on investment, hence stakeholders are having a convergence of minds to protect the country’s investment space.
“We are aligning to what President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stated of attracting investment in our country. And how we do that is to ensure that those investments are protected. We are looking to build the private security sector into a powerful pillar that also speaks into the national vision,” said Africa Investment Leaders Forum and Awards chief executive officer, Mr Kudzai Mukuku.
Experts say cybercrimes present a huge challenge for developing economies, hence the need to create robust strategies against illicit activities conducted under the shadows of technology.
