Burglars raid 2 schools, steal US$20 000 property
BURGLARS ransacked two primary schools in Gwanda on Monday and stole property worth more than US$20 000.
Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandolwenkosi Moyo, who confirmed the burglary, identified the schools as Tshanyawugwe and Ngoma primary schools.
“One suspect, Kepalitsoe Ndlovu (28) of Ngoma has been arrested, while the other two suspects only identified as Public and Rinaile are on the run,” Moyo said.
"On November 20, thieves went to Tshanyawugwe and Ngoma primary schools. They broke burglar bars at the headmaster’s offices. At Tshanyawugwe, and stole a cash safe, 90 Lenovo tablets, and HP laptop. On the same day they also stole an HP laptop, a Thinkpad computer and a cashbox with R3 000.”
Moyo said police got a tip off from the community and conducted investigations leading to the arrest of Ndlovu.
He said following Ndlovu's arrest, a search was conducted at his home leading to the recovery of a CZ pistol.
"The police also recovered a chainsaw, grinder, hammer, bore saw and R330 from Ndlovu. Some of the property was recovered along the Dendele River where it was hidden. Property stolen was worth US$20 500, and property worth US$20 000 was recovered. Cash stolen was R3 000 and only R330 was recovered."
Police appealed to members of the public to assist in locating the suspects still at large.
Moyo urged schools to employ security guards to safeguard their property.
Gwanda residents have now formed an anti-crime group called Gohole Village Vulture Team to deal with thieves.
Chairperson of the group, Victor Sibanda said there had been rampant break-ins, theft and robberies at the two schools.
"Tshanyawugwe villagers are now living in fear of these criminals who have been going around beating up people and stealing their mobile phones. They have been breaking into schools, stealing computers and batteries and breaking safes. The thieves drilled a hole on the wall to gain entry into the school offices,” Sibanda said.