Security guards collude with criminals
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ASP) Advera Senso
Conspiracy between dishonest security guards hired by private companies and thieves with whom they undoubtedly share the loot has left many victims of offensive burglary in Dar es Salaam.
A week-long investigation conducted by this paper has revealed that some security guards deliberately let criminals steal property at their places of work. Signboards, some of which read: “Park your car at own risk” often seen at shopping centres, hotels, schools, hospitals and elsewhere, where security guards are stationed, prompted the investigation.
The survey, which was carried out in Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam, also determined that some security guards seem to work closely with criminals. a motorist, Kauzeni Mshendwa, a resident of Ubungo, found it difficult to understand the message behind a signpost that read: “Park at own risk” at a place where security guards were located.
When asked to comment on how a crime could be committed in their presence, one of the security guards, Mr Alexander Okumu, said that they had clear-cut instructions to keep an eye on the diplomatic cars parked at the compound and motor vehicles that belong to the family of the owner of the business and nothing else. “Police records show that burglary was common in places that have security guards in the vicinity.
Ironically, police call some of these places as notorious crime spots but they do not do much to redress the situation,” Mshendwa said. however, a Police Force spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ASP) Advera Senso, did not like the comment. he said that a disciplined police officer should never make such unmerited remarks and never take things for granted.
“a police officer with a clear understanding of assigned responsibilities and adherence to professional ethics would never use such a language. such an experience must be reported to higher authorities for disciplinary action against perpetrators,” ASP Senso said.nevertheless, similar views were widespread among members of the Police Force, who, on the other hand, advocated cooperation with members of the public for more effective community policing work.
For example, on December 29, last year, at 5.20pm, a Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN) employee had her car ransacked in the presence of security guards. Important documents were stolen in addition to 410,000/- in cash. the incident occurred at Tambaza Flying Cafe along United Nations Road near Upanga in Dar es Salaam, not far from the Salander Bridge Police Station.
The victim had parked her car right in front of the entrance, believing that everything would be alright as long as security guards were on alert — armed with shiny and black batons. She remained in the store for about ten-minutes shopping. when she came back to her car she discovered that some morons had ransacked it. the rear screen had been smashed and thieves had disappeared with her property.
Security guards standing hardly five metres away pretended not to know what had happened. the victim reported the matter to the police at Salander Bridge Station. the officer on duty told her that criminals were notorious in the locality with at least four incidents reported every week.
She was issued with a Police Loss Report (RB/2683/11) and required to provide transportation for site inspection. the inspection was not carried out, however. it was explained that one George who was out of office at that particular moment would have done it. among the stolen property were four ATM Cards, three National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Cards, NBSS Registration Card, PPF Card and ID card, Voter’s card, Birth Certificate, Driving Licence and a baby’s clinic card.
However, ASP Senso insisted that such officers must be reported to their superiors for appropriate disciplinary action. “this is totally against the regulations of the Police Force,” he said. he added that this was an isolated case involving individual irresponsibility.There are different ranks within the police force, ASP Senso said. If a junior officer failed to handle a complaint brought to his or her attention, then assistance should be sought from higher ranks. “this is why the Police Force puts much emphasis on community policing whereby members of the public identify trouble spots, sit together with local government authorities and often invite the police to share information.
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