Robbers strike at Kumalo Primary School

A group of daring thieves broke into Kumalo Primary School offices in Bulawayo and went away with more than $3,000. The break-in and theft occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

Sources told Chronicle yesterday that the thieves broke into the headmistress's office through the roof.

After searching for money in her office, they reportedly broke doors to the bursar and the deputy head's office, where they sliced open two safes before fleeing with more than $3,000.

"The thieves are so daring," said a source.

"After gaining access to the offices, they sliced off a 1,5 centimetre thick piece of metal from one of the safes in the deputy head's office and took all the money. They damaged some property and broke two doors as they looked for the money," said a source who requested anonymity. The security guard, who was manning the school, heard some noises at the offices and courageously rushed to investigate."

The source said the two thieves chased after the guard, but hid behind a building. "The thieves quickly left before opening the second safe, after realising that the security guard would alert the police. They had, however, damaged it as they tried to slice off a piece of metal to steal the money inside," he said.

A comment could not be obtained from the school authorities as they referred all questions to the Bulawayo provincial education officer, Dan Moyo.

Moyo said: "I can confirm that thieves broke into the school and went away with over $3,000. Those were professional thieves, looking at how they took the money. I'm dissapointed because that money belongs to our children but some people just decide to take it."

He said a report was made to the police and investigations were in progress.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo could not be reached for comment.