HARARE – Armed robbers seized a car and cash all amounting to over US$15,000 in value after holding guards and staff hostage during a frightening robbery incident that happened at Tafara 2 High School Wednesday night.
The criminals were apparently targeting a US$12,000 donation earlier pledged to the school by local legislator, Pedzisayi Scott Sakupwanya during his birthday celebration held in the area.
Reports suggested a gang of 11 suspects pounced on two school security guards whom they tied after scaling over the learning institution’s security wall.
The suspects were armed with bolt cutters, iron bars, chisels, machetes and a knife.
“They force-marched the guards to the administration block before they forced them to lie down,” a source said.
“They then broke into the building and stole laptops after failing to open the Chubb safe.”
However, after failing to get money from the school’s offices, it is further said, five of the gang members then went to the staff quarters where they snatched US$4,500 cash from a teacher and US$1,500 from another staff member who resides there.
They are said to have stripped naked some male occupants whom they locked up in one room before they rummaged through the staff quarters.
The suspects also robbed the complainants of their cell phones before they took a teacher’s Toyota Belta which they used as a getaway vehicle.
The school was reportedly closed on Thursday to allow police to conduct some preliminary investigations into the matter.
Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not readily give comment on the matter.
“Let me chase it up. I’m not aware at the moment,” he said.
