By Ndumiso Tshuma
Police have warned schools against keeping large sums of money within their premises after two schools lost money and other valuables to armed robbers.
George Silundika High School lost US$17 280.00 in cash while Lomagundi College in Chinhoyi lost an undisclosed amount of cash, a Mazda Tribute motor vehicle, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said schools have become a target as they are receiving school fees.
Nyathi urged school authorities to deposit the money with financial institutions and avoid keeping it at their premises.
“The Police has recorded armed robbery cases in Bulawayo and Chinhoyi in which schools are being targeted. In one of the cases, unknown suspects pounced at George Silundika High School offices at the corner of George Silundika Street and Third Avenue, Bulawayo on 06th January 2024, where they stole US$17 280.00 cash which was in a cash box. In another case which occurred at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi on 09th January 2024, 12 unknown suspects attacked security guards before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, a Mazda Tribute motor vehicle, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables,” said Nyathi.
“School authorities are urged to step up security measures at schools and employ guards from reputable security service providers who constantly monitor and review deployments. Above all, school authorities should install CCTV at points of entry and administration offices.”
Nyathi said most robbery cases an inside person would have leaked the information, warning that those who provide information to robbery syndicates will be arrested.
“Police crack teams are firm on the ground and will pounce on armed robbery syndicates for the law to take its course in earnest,” said the police spokesperson.
