Delta investigates security breach

SAMANTHA MADE AND ROBIN PHIRI

Zimbabwe’s biggest brewer, Delta Corporation, has initiated an investigation into an alleged security breach at its Southerton brewery in Harare.

The company revealed that unknown individuals allegedly attempted to gain unlawful access to its premises through a pre-existing water storm tunnel.

Delta confirmed that the incident was discovered on February 17 by its employees.

However, the company assured stakeholders that its operations had not been disrupted.

“We are working closely with the police and responsible authorities to determine the  veracity of the report and the possible motive as well as the identity of the perpetrators,” Delta stated.

The discovery of the attempted break-in has raised security concerns, particularly given the nature of the access point used.

Drainage tunnels are typically designed to manage excess rainwater and prevent flooding, but in this case, they appear to have been exploited as a potential entry route.

Authorities are now focused on understanding whether the alleged perpetrators had prior knowledge of the brewery’s underground infrastructure or if this was an opportunistic attempt to infiltrate the premises.

Delta Beverages has assured its employees and stakeholders that all necessary security measures are being taken to prevent any future incidents.

“The safety and security of our employees, facilities, and assets remain a top priority. We take such matters very seriously and  we are cooperating fully with responsible authorities involved in the investigation and  are conducting  our standard incident management  and reveal process,” the company said.

As part of its standard protocol, Delta Beverages is conducting a comprehensive security review of its premises. This includes assessing potential vulnerabilities in infrastructure, strengthening access control measures, and enhancing surveillance capabilities.

At this stage, the motive behind the attempted intrusion remains unclear.

This incident highlights broader concerns about corporate security in Zimbabwe.

As businesses invest in infrastructure and expand their operations, security risks also evolve. Companies must continuously reassess and upgrade their security measures to stay ahead of potential threats.

The use of underground tunnels for unauthorized entry is a growing concern globally, as such access points are often overlooked in standard security protocols.

This case serves as a reminder for businesses to conduct regular risk assessments and fortify all potential points of entry, including those that may not appear to pose an immediate threat.

Security experts suggest that companies consider integrating more advanced surveillance technologies, such as motion sensors, infrared cameras, and artificial intelligence-driven monitoring systems, to detect unusual activities in real-time.

Furthermore, collaboration between businesses and law enforcement is crucial in addressing security challenges.

Public-private partnerships can help improve intelligence sharing, enhance response strategies, and develop proactive measures to mitigate risks.

As the investigation continues, Delta Beverages has appealed to the public for assistance.

The company has urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and report it to either the police or the company directly.

“We urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and contact the police or  our company directly,” Delta said.

This call for assistance underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing security concerns. Local communities, businesses, and law enforcement agencies must work together to identify and prevent potential threats before they escalate.

The alleged security breach at Delta’s Southerton brewery has prompted a thorough investigation into how unknown individuals attempted to access the premises through a drainage tunnel. While the company has reassured stakeholders that its operations remain unaffected, concerns about security vulnerabilities have come to the forefront.

As authorities work to uncover the details behind this incident, the case serves as a wake-up call for businesses to reassess their security strategies. Ensuring the safety of employees, infrastructure, and assets requires a proactive approach that includes regular risk assessments, technological upgrades, and strong collaboration with law enforcement.

Delta Beverages’ commitment to transparency and cooperation with authorities is crucial in resolving this matter.

In the meantime, the company asserted that it remains on high alert, reinforcing its security measures to prevent any future breaches.