Police crack down after fatal school robbery

Police have intensified operations in western suburbs of Harare following a surge in armed robberies targeting schools and churches, amid growing concern from residents over safety.

The latest development comes after the killing of a security guard at Hallingbury Primary School in Marlborough during a robbery that occurred between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed investigations into the incidents, which also include a separate robbery at Marlborough High School.

"We are investigating those two cases, and we will be issuing a detailed statement in due course. In the meantime, we just urge the communities to be responsible with whatever information they are circulating. Police have made adequate deployment in the affected areas," he said.

The deceased, Kona Mandlenkosi (27), was allegedly attacked by three armed robbers wielding crowbars. He was reportedly assaulted and struck with half bricks, sustaining a deep head injury.

He was rushed to a nearby private hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

A second guard at the school managed to escape into a bushy area within the premises but sustained injuries to his hand and shoulder while fleeing.

The incident was reported at Mabelreign Police Station.

In a related case on the same day, four armed robbers targeted Marlborough High School, where they failed to break into a safe before restraining two security guards. The suspects tied the guards' hands and legs with wire and stole cellphones and cash amounting to US$28.

The attacks have heightened fear among residents in Marlborough, Mabelreign, Westgate, Haig Park and surrounding areas, with concerns that criminals may expand their targets to residential homes.

Local councillor Happymore Gotora expressed concern over the escalating violence, noting that this was the second fatal robbery in the area within a fortnight.

"This has caused great security concerns in our neighbourhoods and something needs to be done as a matter of urgency to protect and enhance security of our residents," he said.

Gotora said he had engaged police, who pledged to increase patrols and deploy specialised units, including CID and the Dog Section, to curb the crime wave.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid opening doors at night and report suspicious activity to authorities.

The warning follows a recent alert by another councillor, Kudzai Kadzombe, who cautioned residents about a gang allegedly responsible for multiple robberies in the area, targeting churches, construction sites and homes.

Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts intensify to track down the suspects behind the attacks.