by Safeguard | jul 07, 2026 | Incident reports
OVERVIEW
Internally, the total number of crime incidents experienced by Safeguard clients increased by 9%. Compared to the previous month, non-violent crimes, particularly petty theft incidents increased, highlighting a possible shift towards opportunistic crime. Gate motors, fuel, and vehicle batteries continue to be vulnerable targets in and around Harare.
Nationwide, violent crimes remain a cause for concern with two reports of explosives used at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Mashonaland West – a crime that is not common in Zimbabwe, a potential indicator of an advancement in criminal techniques or criminal elements crossing from South Africa into Zimbabwe. In another brazen incident, a group of 20 suspects attacked two private guards and stole critical infrastructure from a transformer in Norton. In Marondera, three farm employees were arrested after they staged an armed robbery at a farm and stole some money from the site. Safeguard also received reports of multiple dog poisoning incidents as intruders targeted gate motors at non-client sites in Marondera.
Regarding cybercrime, there has been an increase in phishing emails circulating. Currently, the most common ones are fake file-sharing links claiming to be a proposal or a document shared through OneDrive or SharePoint, and emails demanding payment or threatening legal action over an unpaid invoice.
In Avondale, Harare, a block of apartments was damaged after a fire broke out on site. Although the cause of the fire is yet unknown, three fuel containers were recovered in one of the apartments where the fire started.
Road traffic accidents involving buses and haulage trucks remain a cause for concern and risk on major highways with two major incidents reported in Masvingo and Bulawayo in the past month.
OUTLOOK
There is a possibility of an increase in local crime and social tensions following the repatriation of foreign nationals from South Africa some of whom are likely to have criminal backgrounds.
Exposure related diseases/viruses may increase in border towns due to the high influx of people with some staying at the border for days at a time in unhygienic conditions.
The resurgence of farming activity in the Marondera area may result in an increase in crime as criminal elements will be attracted to the area as it becomes wealthier.
ADVISORY
General Advisory
- If you receive an email, you were not expecting, do not click on any links or open attachments, even if the sender looks familiar.
- Before acting on any email asking for payment or a change of banking details, phone the person or company on a number you already know and confirm it with them first.
- If you ever receive an email claiming to be from Safeguard that does not look right, please call us on our official numbers before responding.
Residential
- Arm alarm systems earlier as daylight shortens in July.
- Be cautious of winter fire risk – safe heater placement, gas fitting inspection, and no improvised fuel storage indoors.
- Gate motors remain vulnerable – secure the gate motor in locked and alarmed casings.
Industrial and Manufacturing
- Ensure long distance trucks park in safe and secure locations, preferably close to a police station or security base.
- Implement stricter after-hours access control and ensure all vehicle holding areas are covered by working CCTV.
- Ensure CCTV systems have battery backup to maintain coverage during load-shedding. All footage should be reviewed within 24 hours of any incident.
- Utilise Safeguard AI and outside sensors to reduce theft at industrial and manufacturing sites.
A more detailed breakdown is below.
If you would like to discuss your options for security, or find out more about crime in your area, please contact us at info@safeguard.co.zw. You can also call Safeguard on +263 242 751395-9 the Safeguard extension 1092/1009 for assistance)- or speak to your local Safeguard manager for advice on site. Please see more information relating to crime statistics below.
Thank you for using Safeguard.
The Safeguard Team
1. CRIME INCIDENT ANALYSIS
The above visuals depict the incidents captured by Safeguard with focus on nationwide incidents, incidents reported in Harare and the targeted establishments in Harare.
Key Risk Trends and Patterns
- The total number of internal incidents increased by 9%.
- Violent crimes decreased by 43% and have been at their lowest since January 2026 with the highest number of violent crimes reported in March 2026 (11).
- Non-violent crimes increased from 15 to 20 and this could indicate a shift towards more opportunistic crimes.
- In the industrial and manufacturing suburbs, the automotive and logistics industries were the most vulnerable in the past month with intruders targeting fuel and batteries from vehicles. Reports from trustworthy sources revealed that several companies were targeted in Graniteside/Mbare area in the past month – Safeguard only recorded one incident in this area.
- At residential sites, theft of gate motors and signage continues to be reported in and around Harare.
- The average group size of intruders reduced to three intruders. However, in one internal incident, at least six-armed intruders were reported in an armed robbery. In a separate incident, a group of 20 intruders attacked two security guards and stole critical components from a transformer at a non-client site.
- In the past month, Borrowdale and Ruwa reported three incidents each.
TRAVEL, HEALTH AND SAFETY ALERTS
- A fire that damaged several flats was reported in Avondale, Harare on the 30th of June 2026 and it is suspected the fire could have been caused by fuel which was stored onsite as three containers were found in one of the apartments. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
- Fatal road traffic accidents involving buses and haulage trucks continue to be reported nationwide with at least three known major traffic accidents reported in Mashonaland West, Masvingo and Bulawayo.
- The Harare – Masvingo – Beitbridge and Harare – Chirundu highways remain vulnerable to accidents due to the activity along that route.
- Two cholera outbreaks were reported in Manicaland, and both were traced back to Penhalonga, a mining community.
- Hurungwe, Mashonaland West remains a high-risk area for malaria.