Security Guard Kona Mandlenkosi Killed During School Robbery Att@ck in Harare
Security Guard Kona Mandlenkosi Killed During School Robbery Att@ck in Harare – The late Kona Mandlenkosi (27), a security guard stationed at Hallingbury Primary School in Harare West, has been identified as the victim of a brutal armed robbery that has shaken communities in Marlborough and surrounding suburbs.
Mandlenkosi was on duty on Monday night when three armed robbers attacked him in a violent assault. According to reports, the suspects, who were armed with crowbars, struck him repeatedly and hit him on the head with half bricks.
He sustained a deep cut above his left ear and was rushed to a nearby private emergency hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
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His tragic death comes amid a surge in armed robberies targeting schools and churches in Harare West. Police believe the attack may be linked to another robbery that occurred the same night at Marlborough High School, located approximately 6km away.
In that incident, four armed robbers reportedly stormed the school but failed to break into a safe. They then turned on two security guards, tying their hands and legs with wires before stealing cellphones and US$28 in cash.
Another guard who was on duty with Mandlenkosi managed to escape during the attack by fleeing into a bushy area within the school premises. However, he sustained injuries to his right palm and the back of his left shoulder while trying to get away.
National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations are underway into both incidents.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police assures the residents in Mabelreign and Marlborough suburbs, Harare, that comprehensive deployments have been effected immediately to curtail robbery and other criminal acts,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement:
“In this regard, the police urge residents to cooperate with police by reporting any suspicious movements, unknown people roaming aimlessly or seated on road culverts or drainage. This includes suspicious vehicles, either parked or moving in the area, whether displaying registration plates or not.”
Commissioner Nyathi also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information:
“We are investigating those two cases, and we will be issuing a detailed statement in due course. In the meantime, we just urge the communities to be responsible with whatever information they are circulating. Police have made adequate deployment in the affected areas.”
Police have since intensified patrols and visibility in suburbs such as Mabelreign, Marlborough, and Westgate. Authorities are also encouraging residents and property owners to improve security measures, including installing street lights, floodlights, and burglar bars.
“The public should feel free to report suspicious movements or criminal acts on the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631… or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197,” added Commissioner Nyathi.
Mandlenkosi’s death has left a deep sense of grief among residents, as communities continue to grapple with rising insecurity in the area.
May his soul rest in peace.
