Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT has stepped up efforts to curb rising cases of murder, armed robbery and drug trafficking, which authorities say are emerging as significant threats to national security.
Addressing security concerns at the Zimbabwe National Defence University, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe said the current crime trends remain a major concern despite being below targeted thresholds.
“We have come up with a number of strategies, including implementing technologies to try to curb these criminal activities. We are working on reducing the statistics, which, even though they are below the 14 percent target, we feel are still above what we desire,” he said.
Authorities are increasingly focusing on the use of technology to strengthen law enforcement and improve response to criminal activity.
Cybercrime has also been identified as a growing threat, with experts warning that it is costing economies billions globally. Zimbabwe has not been spared, with offences such as phishing, credit card fraud, unauthorised access and telecommunications piracy on the rise.
“Cyber space vulnerabilities have increased. Cybercrime is now ranked top of the international agenda. Such issues as hacking and security failures could endanger economies and thus become a national security risk,” said Minister Kazembe.
Government is also tightening measures to combat human trafficking, particularly through stricter monitoring of recruitment agencies, amid concerns over fraudulent operators luring Zimbabweans abroad under false pretences.
Officials say the combined approach, spanning technology, regulation and enforcement is aimed at strengthening national security and protecting citizens from evolving criminal threats.
