Businesses urged to bank cash to deter festive season robberies

NHLANGANO – Businesses and savings groups in Nhlangano have been urged to deposit their cash in banks rather than keeping it at home or on business premises, to reduce the risk of robberies during the festive season.

The warning was issued during a crime-prevention meeting between police officers and local business leaders at Bethesda Church in Nhlangano yesterday.

Nhlangano Station Commander Mandla Mndzebele urged businesses to strengthen their security measures and work closely with the police to prevent crime.

He warned that careless handling of cash and publicly disclosing information about cash reserves or security arrangements could expose businesses and their employees to criminal attacks.

Mndzebele encouraged business owners to share information about suspicious activities with the police, assuring them that informants would be protected. He also called for stronger partnerships between businesses and law enforcement to enable the authorities to respond promptly to threats.

Desk Officer Wellington Dlamini said businesses should remain vigilant against criminals who travel to Nhlangano to target vulnerable premises before leaving the area.

He urged employers to train their workers to identify suspicious individuals loitering around business premises and report them to the police.

Dlamini also highlighted the importance of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in investigating crime. He cited an incident in which footage helped police identify a suspect and recover cash that had been left unattended in a shopping basket.

Although official crime records showed no major incidents during the previous festive season, Dlamini urged businesses not to become complacent.

Business representative Zodwa Khumalo supported the police’s call for closer cooperation, urging entrepreneurs and stockvel savings groups to deposit their funds in banks instead of keeping large amounts of cash at home or on business premises.

Philani Maswati Charity Organisation Chairman Lutfo Dlamini called on businesses to take greater responsibility for community safety and help ease the burden on the police.

Members of the business forum following the proceedings of the event.

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