Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
POLICE have moved in to deal with the alarming upsurge in armed robberies targeting schools and churches in the Harare West suburbs of Marlborough, Mabelreign and Westgate.
This follows the death of a security guard at Hallingbury Primary School in a robbery incident between Monday evening and yesterday morning.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi told H-Metro last night that they were investigating the robbery incidents at Hallingbury Primary School and Marlborough High School.
He however, urged the people in the affected communities to be responsible with the information they are circulating.
“We are investigating those two cases, and we will be issuing a detailed statement in due course. In the meantime, we just urge the communities to be responsible with whatever information they are circulating. Police have made adequate deployment in the affected areas,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
One security guard was killed by three armed robbers at Hallingbury Primary School and the suspects are being linked with a raid at Marlborough High School.
The two government schools are about 6km apart.
The security guard, Kona Mandlenkosi was allegedly attacked by the robbers who were holding crowbars. They allegedly assaulted him and struck him with half bricks on the head.
He sustained a deep cut on the head above the left ear and was rushed to a nearby private emergency hospital for treatment where he later succumbed to the injuries.
He was 27.
Another guard at the school managed to escape to a nearby bushy area within the school yard upon seeing that his colleague was being attacked.
He sustained injuries on right palm and back of his left shoulder after running into the bushy area of the school.
The case was reported at Mabelreign Police Station under RRB 6701269.
In another related case, four armed robbers pounced at Marlborough High School the same day. They failed to break the safe and then held two security guards, tied their hands and legs with some wires.
The robbers searched the guards and went away with their cellphones and money amounting to US$28.
The incidents have instilled fear to residents of Westgate, Mabelreign, Marlborough, Haig Park and the surrounding areas.
One of the local leaders and councillor, Reverend Happymore Gotora sent a condolence message to the bereaved family of Mandlenkosi appealing for an increased police patrol during the night.
“Today we woke up to sad news once again in our Ward as we lost a life due to robbers. A security guard who was manning Hallingbury Primary School was severely assaulted by robbers and later died at the hospital.
“This is the second time in a fortnight that we have lost lives due to robbers.
“This has caused great security concerns in our neighbourhoods and something need to be done as a matter of urgency to protect and enhance security of our residents.
“After visiting Hallingbury Primary School where i had some briefing with the school Head and her deputy and the SDC chairman in the morning,” said Rev Gotora.
He approached local police for urgent help.
“Residents are now living in fear as a result of the continued cases of robbery particularly in areas such as Sunridge, Greencroft, Westgate and Mabelreign. The robbers have been targeting institutions such as churches and schools.
“The fear is they will proceed to also attack homesteads,” he said.
Rev Gotora said police assured him that they are to beef up their patrol teams with forces from other departments such as CID, Dog section and Support Unit.
“I encourage residents to be on alert and report any suspicious incidents in our neighbourhoods. Let’s not open doors during the night even for the people we know as they may have come under duress from robbers.
“Let’s immediately call the police if something unusual or suspicious is happening,” he said giving police contact details.
This comes barely a week after another councillor, Kudzai Kadzombe (Ward 41) circulated a message warning residents of the marauding robbers.
“Good afternoon fellow Harare residents.
“Please help us in identifying this man, who is part of a 4-man gang terrorising our Marlborough community using the aliases ‘Satan’ and ‘Captain’.
“They have been responsible for a string of robberies at construction sites and churches, including Celebration, Roman Catholic, and AFM, as well as the death of the Zaoga Church security guard. This Easter holiday, they have been targeting companies and residential properties.
“Immediate actions for residents:
“1. Do not approach — If you recognise this man or have any information, do not confront him. He is considered armed and dangerous.
“2. Report directly to the police — Share any photos, descriptions, or details immediately.
“If you have any information, please contact the Officer in Charge of Marlborough Police Station, Mr Miziri, on +263772377625.
“I continue to urge residents to participate in and strengthen neighbourhood watch efforts in their areas. We need to be vigilant and protect ourselves, our properties, and the safety of our families,” she said.
Mathew Masinge