Five Armed Robbers Raid Bulawayo School At 4AM, Walk Away With Just US$17
Five armed robbers allegedly left Mthombowesizwe Primary School in Bulawayo with only US$17 after carrying out a pre-dawn raid in which they reportedly stripped the security guard naked and ransacked the premises.
The gang targeted the Bulawayo City Council-owned school in Entumbane suburb at around 4am on Thursday, 23 October, allegedly disabling the alarm system and switching off the outside lights before forcing their way into the administration block with grinders.
Despite the apparent preparations, the masked suspects, who were reportedly dressed in black, found just US$17 in the school safe.
Had they shared the money equally, each would have received US$3.40.
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Armed Gang Allegedly Strips Guard Naked
During the raid, the suspects reportedly cornered the lone security guard, stripped him naked and forced him to lie down at the school’s assembly point.
Some of the gang members allegedly remained behind to keep watch over the guard while their accomplices searched the administration block for valuables.
A source familiar with the incident said the money recovered from the safe was minimal, adding that schools were taking heed of police warnings against keeping large amounts of cash on their premises.
“The safe had US$17 only, it is good schools are heeding police advice not of keep huge sums of money at school premises and ordering parents to pay at banks. They stripped naked the only guard who was at the school. After they left he sought help from the school caretaker and they called the police,” said the source.
Police Respond After Gunshots Ring Out
The incident prompted a police response, with two gunshots reportedly heard at around 4.15am as officers attended the scene.
Various police units were deployed to the school, while an ambulance also responded. The security guard was taken to hospital for medical examination and was reportedly assisting police with their investigations.
The suspects are believed to have fled by jumping over the school’s perimeter wall.
No arrests had been made by the time of reporting.
Entumbane Residents Concerned Over Robberies
The school raid comes amid reports of a series of robberies targeting shops in Entumbane, fuelling concern over the safety of businesses and residents in the suburb.
News of the latest incident also sparked discussions in residents’ WhatsApp groups after reports of gunfire circulated.
Police have repeatedly urged schools and businesses to avoid keeping substantial amounts of cash on their premises, recommending that money be deposited in banks instead.
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