The inside job: Sacked house helps could leave with duplicate keys

A security/risk expert insists that burglaries and break-ins thrive because of leakage of information to criminals. Enock Makanga is pointing an accusing finger at house helps and guards citing an incident where a relocating diplomat had his money, being proceeds from a sold vehicle stolen be his 'trusted' maid.

"The hosue girl got information that her employer was leaving the country, when the couple left the house the following day the maid broke into the bedroom and stole all the money before disappearing. It was a very bad unfortunate incident," said Makanga.

He urged those seeking the services of house helps to do a proper background check, advising that it is better to recruit from the rural villages where potential employees are raw in terms of expose to city life.

"People forget that when they fire an employee, the individual departs with crucial information. For example when you sack a maid you fail to take into account she could be in possession of a duplicate key that can be used to gain entry into your house," explained the executive director of Impact Management Solutions Africa.

He criticized security firms for frequently changing guards without notifying clients and urged the government to regulate the industry as happened in Uganda and Rwanda.

"Most of these crimes are carried out by poorly paid guards. The criminals lure the guards with lots of money to the extent of some of them volunteering to bear injuries in order to conceal evidence about their participation," says Makanga.