Prior to 2007, there were less than 6 Security companies in Malawi, dominated by G4S security (Formerly Securicor), Team security and Safetech. Amidst 2009-2015, Malawi experienced a boom in the security industry; registering over 10 new security companies in that time frame. Regardless of the boom, businesses that assign these security companies take a big security risk; Biznews sat with various security experts to comment on how businesses put themselves at risk.
Firstly, the security required must be proportional to the area protected. Joseph Diverson of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) had more to say on this. “When a business wants PMF officers, we assess the area being protected; for instance, you can’t hire one officer to look after a factory covering a space of one hectare, even if the officer has a gun” said Diverson. He noted that the problem with businesses and people in general is that they want to have a sense of security, not security itself. “Just because there is someone guarding your premises does not mean there is adequate security” he says, “PMF officers will never work with anyone without a thorough assessment of the area they’ve been assigned to; there could be need to assign more officers than requested, depending on area”
Security Company expert of 25 years, Obingtone Kaunda, noted that there are businesses that rely on non corporate security. “A guard that doesn’t work under a security company has had no training so the risk is higher; adding to that, the business has no one to hold the guard accountable, since the guard is an individual entity.” He also noted that non corporate guards at home will have no one covering for them in case they fall sick. “A security company has backup security” he added, “There are also response patrols available since there are times the security assigned needs a hand in a situation.”
Police officer Alex Kansambo insisted that when businesses want to consider cutting costs, security should never be compromised. “In my experience, a thief is patiently observant” he said, “just because there have been no/less break ins on a business does not mean burglars aren’t watching; once security is minimized, they will come for you”
Businesses are therefore urged to maximize security, as protecting your profits is cheaper than starting over after a break in.