A security company must pay $675,000 after losing nearly 12 kilograms of gold during a robbery. The High Court ruled that Securico failed to protect How Mine's precious cargo on October 4, 2022. Armed robbers made off with the bullion during transport to Bulawayo. Justice Joseph Chilimbe sided with How Mine after hearing evidence about poor security arrangements. The judge delivered his ruling on July 1.
How Mine accused Securico of using weak protection methods for such valuable cargo. The security firm sent guards without panic buttons and some lacked airtime to call for help. They used regular vans instead of armored trucks to carry the gold. Securico argued that nobody could have predicted the robbery would happen. The company claimed the attack was an unavoidable event beyond their control.
Justice Chilimbe found major problems with Securico's defense. He noted that both companies knew bullion runs carried serious risks. The judge said Securico walked into a dangerous situation with inadequate preparation. Security guards failed to trigger alarms or call police after the robbery. The company told workers to avoid gunfights to save lives but this decision increased the risk of theft.
The court ordered Securico to pay the full amount plus 5 percent annual interest from the robbery date. How Mine won the case after proving the security company was negligent. Advocate Thabani Mpofu represented How Mine against Romeo Chatereza for Securico.
How Mine accused Securico of using weak protection methods for such valuable cargo. The security firm sent guards without panic buttons and some lacked airtime to call for help. They used regular vans instead of armored trucks to carry the gold. Securico argued that nobody could have predicted the robbery would happen. The company claimed the attack was an unavoidable event beyond their control.
Justice Chilimbe found major problems with Securico's defense. He noted that both companies knew bullion runs carried serious risks. The judge said Securico walked into a dangerous situation with inadequate preparation. Security guards failed to trigger alarms or call police after the robbery. The company told workers to avoid gunfights to save lives but this decision increased the risk of theft.
The court ordered Securico to pay the full amount plus 5 percent annual interest from the robbery date. How Mine won the case after proving the security company was negligent. Advocate Thabani Mpofu represented How Mine against Romeo Chatereza for Securico.
