The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure Senior Reporter—
POLICE are investigating an overnight break-in at Kriste Mambo High School after robbers broke into the girls’ dormitories and matron’s quarters and stole an assortment of valuables belonging to at least 80 students.
The suspects – who are still on the run – allegedly broke in through a low lying window that leads to the vacant dormitories hallway.
Manicaland police spokesman Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident and said police were investigating the matter.
Insp Kakohwa said if anyone has any information about the burglary, they should contact the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Rusape on 0772 660566 or any nearest police station.
Insp Kakohwa said the robbers left muddy footprints on the window and forgot two torches, one in the Matron Mrs Tendai Chiteka’s quarters and another in the dormitories, suggesting that break-in was perpetrated when it was raining and at night.
“We have received a report of illegal entry at Kriste Mambo High School where suspects broke into the Ordinary Level dormitory through an unsecured window and stole various items, that included two in one blankets, duvets and irons, among other valuable. At least 80 students have confirmed having missing items. We are appealing to members of the public with information about the burglary to contact CID Rusape or any nearest police station,” said Insp Kakohwa.
Kriste Mambo head Mr Andrew Mvere said they were shocked by the burglary – which was detected on January 6, 2017 by Mrs Chiteka when she returned from holiday.
Mr Mvere said everything at the school, which is guarded 24 hours by Fawcett Security looked normal the period spanning
December 29, 2016, when the dormitory was last opened and January 5, 2017.
“At the moment we cannot say how many children lost what because they are still coming and filling some forms left by police, indicating the stolen items.
“What is shocking is that everything looked normal as the premises are manned by security guards around the clock,” said Mr Mvere.
Source at the school ruled out foul play, and instead called on the school authorities to increase security personnel manning the premises, install security cameras, sensor lights, burglar alarms, have thorough security firm checks at night and appoint a person to check that all doors and windows are closed each day.
“It looks as if the criminals had all the time; they ransacked each and every bag in the dormitory selecting items of substance such as blankets, duvets and irons.
“They also forced open the door into the matron’s quarters where they stole meat, an iron, a micro wave and some blankets.
“They also took all the fruit juices that were in the matron’s house,” said the source.
Mrs Chiteka was the last person to visit the dormitory on December 29, 2016, the sources said.
“She was at the school with her husband to pick some meat she had left in the refrigerator as well as to drop some items she had brought from her home. According to her account, she left the door securely locked.
“The robbers entered through a low lying window and when inside used a hoe to force open doors. They left everything upside down and this is a wake-up call because you cannot have the whole premise being manned by one guard. Even if the guard had patrolled the area that evening, there was no way you would have expected him to foil the burglary,” said an insider at the school.
