An Investigation into the Major Drivers of Robbery Heists in the Private Sector in Zimbabwe: A Quantitative Analysis of Primary Data

Brighton Mupondi, Shephered Gwidi

Abstract: Robbery heists linked to private security firms, and the leaking of inside security information, remain on the rise in Zimbabwe, posing significant risks to public safety and the broader economy. This study examined the key drivers of robbery heists across Zimbabwe's private security sector and the private companies that employ security personnel. A quantitative, positivist design was adopted, with data collected from 240 participants ranging from police investigating officers, corporate security experts and security operatives through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS (Version 26), including correlation and regression statistics. Findings were interpreted through Routine Activity Theory, Rational Choice Theory, the Fraud Triangle, and Strain Theory, against a backdrop of 16.4% national unemployment and an informal sector accounting for more than 85% of the workforce. Insider collusion emerged as the dominant driver, followed by weak internal controls, poor remuneration and unemployment. Existing organisational security measures spanning risk assessment, staff training, technology use, cooperation with law enforcement, emergency response planning and insurance coverage were judged to fall well short of what is needed, despite comparatively favorable views of specific components such as surveillance and technology in isolation. The study argues that tackling these drivers requires better pay for security guards and practitioners, stronger internal controls, and expanded employment opportunities for young people, alongside legislative reform, specialized training, thorough background screening, deeper collaboration with law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.

Keywords: Robbery heists; Quantitative primary data analysis; Zimbabwe; Private Sector Security; Private Security Practitioners, Conviction rate; Routine Activity Theory, Fraud triangle

How to Cite?: Brighton Mupondi, Shephered Gwidi, "An Investigation into the Major Drivers of Robbery Heists in the Private Sector in Zimbabwe: A Quantitative Analysis of Primary Data", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 93-101, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26819143229, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26819143229

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