Herentals College shut down in Harare council blitz

Learning at Herentals College's Sarum House campus along Robert Mugabe Road was brought to a standstill on Thursday morning after Harare City Council officials ordered the closure of the building as part of the ongoing "Restore Order" operation in the capital's central business district.

The unexpected closure disrupted lessons, forcing students and lecturers to vacate the premises. When a Zimpapers news crew visited, the normally busy campus was unusually deserted.

One parent, who was in discussion with administrators inside the building, expressed concern over the disruption.

"I came here after receiving a call from my daughter, who said their classes had been stopped due to the closure," the parent said. "We are uncertain when lessons will resume."

The campus was eventually reopened around lunchtime, but officials at the reception voiced frustration at the interruption.

Across Harare, several businesses and institutions have been affected by the clampdown, with tenants counting their losses as building owners and managers struggle to comply with municipal regulations.

The City of Harare has reiterated its call for property owners to adhere to by-laws, which include paying rates on time, installing fire extinguishers, and securing the necessary operating licenses.