Robbers target Harare schools

A surge in armed robberies targeting schools in Harare's western suburbs has left communities on edge, with Mabelreign Girls High School becoming the latest victim after attackers made off with cash and seriously injured a security guard.

The incident, which occurred yesterday, saw three armed suspects storm the school premises and attack two guards, leaving one in critical condition.

According to preliminary reports, one guard was conducting routine perimeter checks when he encountered the suspects in the school yard. The attackers overpowered him, tied his hands and legs with wire, and forced him to the administration block.

Armed with tools including a hammer, torches, pliers, crowbars and wire, the suspects proceeded to the SDC block, where they located a second guard and struck him on the forehead with an unidentified object, causing a deep wound.

The gang then broke into the administration offices, forced open a storeroom door and dismantled a safe containing less than US$500. They loaded the safe into a getaway vehicle and fled the scene.

The attack marks the third such incident within a week in the Westgate, Mabelreign and Marlborough areas, raising alarm over a coordinated wave of robberies targeting educational institutions.

In a separate incident in Good Hope, Westgate, armed robbers raided a school and orphanage run by the Village of Hope Institution, escaping with more than US$30,000 after ransacking offices for nearly an hour.

The institution's director, Richard Chimbetete (50), said the attackers—believed to have been armed with police-issued firearms—targeted key offices including those of the bishop, social workers, the director and finance department.

Meanwhile, at Hallingbury Primary School, a security guard was killed during a similar attack, further escalating fears among residents.

At Marlborough High School, another attempted robbery saw suspects fleeing with just US$28 after failing to gain access to a safe they believed contained significant sums of money.

Police have since attended the scenes and deployed additional officers in affected areas to intensify investigations and improve security.

Residents say the attacks have instilled widespread fear, with some calling for stronger collaboration between communities and law enforcement.

"We are living in fear of these robbers," said a local resident identified only as Edson. "If criminals can be apprehended by communities elsewhere, we can also act with the support of police."

Edson added that there is growing suspicion that insiders may be providing information to the robbers.

"Our suspicion is that some of these places could be leaking information, especially if they are keeping large amounts of cash," he said.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was unavailable for comment.

However, police sources indicated that Harare provincial commander Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru is expected to lead an armed robbery awareness campaign at Mabelreign Shopping Centre as authorities move to reassure residents and curb the escalating crime wave.