Robbers raid 3 city schools in 3 days

Senzangakhona Primary, one of the schools that have been targeted by robbers

Patient Sibanda Chronicle Reporter
UNIDENTIFIED robbers raided three schools in three days in Bulawayo’s western suburbs and stole an undisclosed amount of cash and goods. The robbers gained entry into Senzangakhona Primary School, Sikhulile High and Insukamini Primary School and went away with goods and cash whose value is yet to be established.

Sources said on Saturday night, Senzangakhona Primary school in Emganwini suburb was also hit, a day after a break-in at a tuck-shop at Insukamini Primary school in Mabuthweni suburb. The criminals went away with money and food. On Thursday, robbers looted stationery at Sikhulile High school in Luveve suburb. It is unclear yet if one gang is responsible for the three raids or there are more.

Bulawayo provincial acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the Sikhulile High School robbery, but could not immediately comment on the others at Senzangakhona and Insukamini primary schools. “I confirm that armed robbers attacked Sikhulile High School and we’re currently conducting investigations. We however, would like to warn robbers that the net will soon close in on them. Security guards should alert the police when they see something suspicious,” said Asst Insp Ncube.

When The Chronicle visited Senzangakhona Primary School, detectives were at the school investigating the case.

A caretaker who declined to be named said the robbers broke into the administration block and then tied two security guards manning the premises. “The robbers wrestled with two security guards and they managed to overpower them before tying their hands and looting goods,” he said. Police barred The Chronicle news crew from further interviewing the caretaker.

Residents said cases of burglary were on the increase in Emganwini suburb. “The school has been hit by robbers. But I haven’t heard what they took inside. The police are still coming for investigations. I saw them in the early hours of today and until now they’re still visiting the school,” said Susan Ndlovu.

Sources said at Insukamini Primary School in Mabuthweni suburb, the robbers managed to get away with money, biscuits and drinks from the school’s tuckshop. A caretaker at the school refused to comment. Last week on Saturday, robbers pounced at Tategulu primary school in Cowdray Park suburb and stole more than $1,300.