Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
A SECURITY guard stationed at Hallingbury Primary School in Mabelreign died after he being attacked by robbers in a violent incident that has heightened security concerns across Ward 17, where residents said they are now living in fear following a spate of robberies targeting schools and churches.
Ward 17 Councillor Reverend Happymore Gotora confirmed the incident and said it had shocked the community and marked the second fatal robbery-related case in the area within a fortnight.
“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,” he said.
Clr Gotora said the rising wave of violent crime has created panic among residents in suburbs including Sunridge, Greencroft, Westgate and Mabelreign, with fears that criminals could soon extend their attacks to private homes.
“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 needs to be done as a matter of urgency to protect and enhance the security of our residents,” he said.
Cllr Gotora said he visited Hallingbury Primary School, where he received a briefing from the school leadership and the School Development Committee before proceeding to Mabelreign Police Station to engage law enforcement authorities over the escalating security situation.
He said he raised residents’ concerns with the deputy officer-in-charge at Mabelreign Police Station, one Assistant Inspector Shiri, who assured him that police would intensify night patrols in all affected suburbs.
“After a lengthy discussion, the deputy officer-in-charge assured me that starting from today, they will be conducting intense night patrols in all suburbs in our Ward,” said Cllr Gotora.
“They have beefed up their patrol teams with forces from other departments such as CID, Dog Section and Support Unit.”
He urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the police, warning against opening doors at night, even to known individuals, as criminals may be using coercion.
“Let us not open doors during the night, even for the people we know, as they may have come under duress from robbers. Let us immediately call the police if something unusual or suspicious is happening,” he said.
Clr Gotora urged residents to use police contacts and maintain close cooperation with law enforcement as investigations into the fatal attack continue.
