An Investigation into the effectiveness of strategies being used in the prevention of theft in Parastatals. A Case of NRZ 2022-2023
- Author
- Loti, Tendai.
- Title
- An Investigation into the effectiveness of strategies being used in the prevention of theft in Parastatals. A Case of NRZ 2022-2023
- Abstract
- This study is a case study of National Railways of Zimbabwe 2022-2023. Theft of NRZ assets has increased despite measures put in place to protect these assets. A population of 320 was targeted, where a sample of 64 was selected using convenience, stratified and random sampling techniques. The study was guided by the following objectives, to identify the types of theft occurring in NRZ, causes of theft, challenges in fighting crime and to recommend new strategies. Data was gathered from the NRZ system and Police stations using questionnaires, interviews and structured observation. The Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data and it was presented in the form of tables and pie charts. The study found out that copper cables, track and wagon components were the most stolen items. It was also found that major causes of theft are socio-economic challenges, illegal mining, thriving scrap metal industry, and poor regulatory framework. The study also found out that challenges in fighting crime are shortage of resources, inadequate legal deterrents, internal corruption, surveillance shortcomings and lack of community involvement. From the findings it can be concluded that central government should formulate generic strategies to fight crimes in parastatals. It can also be concluded that nothing was being done by the NRZ and government to improve crime fighting strategies. Another conclusion was that widespread corruption was hindering efforts to fight crime. From the conclusions it is recommended that proactive strategies be implemented to fight crime. It is also recommended that NRZ dispose of its decommissioned wagons, coaches and railway lines to reduce exposure and earn revenue. Another recommendation is to replace copper cables with other material not attractive to thieves. It is further recommended that the parent ministry lobby for the effective regulation of small scale miners, stiffer penalties and also the NRZ embrace technologies like CCTV and drones as well was carrying out public awareness campaigns.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Prevention
- Theft
- Parastatals.
- Supervisor
- Mr. F.B Gombarume,
- Media
-
Loti, Tendai.pdf