Last night, a distressing incident unfolded at Lomagundi College as a group of audacious masked robbers stormed the campus, wreaking havoc and targeting the security team as well as the Deputy Head, Mr. Masombo.
The shocking event took place at approximately 8:30 PM on January 9, 2024. The assailants, numbering around 10 and armed, launched a well-coordinated ambush at the main gate, overpowering and disarming the security personnel who were then held hostage in the gate guard room.
Mr. Masombo, who had returned to the campus after a trip to town, unfortunately fell victim to the attackers. They compelled him and five security guards to accompany them to the LC administration block, where they were bound and forced to sleep on the floor. The robbers tampered with the alarm system and forcibly broke into various administrative offices.
The intruders showed no mercy as they ransacked the offices, breaking both fixed and movable safes. While it is believed that no school funds from fees were taken, there are suspicions regarding an undisclosed amount of money, which is believed to be personal funds of staff members intended for clubs and committees and was stored in their respective offices.
In addition to the financial losses, the criminals also made off with valuable assets such as laptops. To make their escape, the robbers used Mr. Masombo’s vehicle, taking firearms from the disarmed security team and seizing mobile phones, including Mr. Masombo’s and those belonging to the security personnel.
Once they managed to free themselves, the traumatized school staff immediately reported the incident to the police. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Chinhoyi promptly responded and launched an investigation that is currently underway. As a precautionary measure, the administration block has been temporarily sealed off to allow for a thorough examination by the police.
What is happening with the crime in Zimbabwe? Even our schools are no longer safe. The armed robbers attack lomagundi college was unexpected and has undoubtedly made other schools question their security measures.
