Robbers target clinic and school, escape with US$18,000 on Good Friday
In a daring incident on Good Friday, a clinic and a school in Epworth fell victim to a robbery, resulting in a total loss of US$18,000. Epworth Mission Clinic was the first target, losing US$5,000, followed by Epworth Methodist Academy School, which lost US$13,000. The two establishments are located adjacent to each other.
According to reports, a group of four unidentified men wearing balaclavas and armed with iron bars approached the security guard, Takawira Mutamburiri (49). They swiftly attacked him, tying his hands and legs with shoelaces. During the assault, they seized his Itel cellphone and US$25 in cash.
The robbers forcibly gained entry into the clinic by breaking through the screen door using their iron bars. Once inside, they thoroughly searched the premises and discovered an unlocked safe containing US$5,000. Without hesitation, they looted the cash and proceeded to Epworth Methodist Academy School.
At the school, the robbers forcibly entered both the administration office and the headmaster’s office using their iron bars. They ransacked the rooms until they found a safe in the headmaster’s office. Inside the safe was a substantial sum of US$13,000, which the criminals swiftly seized before making their escape.
Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, the Harare provincial police spokesperson, has confirmed the incident, stating that the police are actively investigating the two robbery cases. The crime scenes were scrutinized, and authorities recovered a grinding blade believed to be connected to the robberies. The total value of stolen property and cash amounts to US$18,000.
“Police are investigating two robbery cases at a clinic and a school in Epworth,” said Insp Chakanza.
“Scene was attended and a grinding blade was recovered and total value stolen is US$18 000.”
