Police Probe US$80,000 Robbery at Cold Storage Company in Bulawayo

BULAWAYO – Police have launched an investigation into a daring robbery at the Cold Storage Company (CSC) in Bulawayo, where thieves allegedly stole more than US$80,000 after disabling the company's security systems and breaking into several office safes. Investigators believe the robbery may have been an inside job, citing evidence that the suspects appeared to have detailed knowledge of the premises, its security arrangements and the location of the cash.

According to information obtained during the investigation, the suspects allegedly cut the premises' closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system before carrying out the robbery, making it difficult for investigators to immediately identify those involved.

"The CCTV cameras were cut before the robbery, making it difficult to immediately identify the suspects. Several office safes were forced open, and cash amounting to about US$80,000 was taken," The Chronicle quoted a source familiar with the investigation as saying.

Investigators say the manner in which the robbery was executed suggests careful planning and prior knowledge of the building's layout, alarm systems and cash storage facilities.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said detectives were pursuing several leads.

"We're investigating a case of robbery in which approximately US$80,000 was stolen from the Cold Storage Company premises in Bulawayo," Nyathi said.

"Preliminary investigations indicate that this could be an inside job, although investigations are still in progress."

Police have since launched a comprehensive investigation, with detectives expected to interview company employees, security guards and other individuals who had access to the premises before the robbery. Forensic experts are also examining the crime scene for fingerprints, DNA evidence and other forensic material that could assist investigators in identifying the suspects.

Security experts say commercial robberies involving the disabling of surveillance equipment often indicate extensive planning and, in some cases, assistance from individuals familiar with internal security procedures. The latest robbery comes amid ongoing concerns over organised commercial crimes targeting businesses that handle large amounts of cash. Commissioner Nyathi appealed to members of the public with any information that could assist the investigation to report it to their nearest police station or contact the Zimbabwe Republic Police through established reporting channels.

No arrests had been made at the time of publication, and police said investigations remain ongoing.

Cold Storage Company robbery