Tinotenda Hove – Panic gripped staff at Tynwald Primary School after an armed gang reportedly raided the premises on Wednesday, attacked security guards and stole valuables before fleeing in the school’s minibus.

According to police, the three suspects confronted security personnel at the school and forced their way into offices where they allegedly searched through rooms and safes.

During the robbery, the gang reportedly seized several mobile phones belonging to the guards, including Samsung and Huawei devices. One security guard, however, managed to keep his phone hidden and later alerted police.

Authorities said one of the suspects was carrying a firearm, while the other accomplices were armed with a machete and a garden pick.

The robbers also drove away in the school’s Toyota Quantum minibus, although the vehicle was later recovered by police.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident and said police had managed to recover both the vehicle and the stolen mobile phones.

“Police recovered a vehicle and some valuables when armed robbers pounced at a school in Tynwald. The total value stolen is US$13 300, and all was recovered,” said Insp Chakanza.

The robbery came barely a day after another violent incident in Greencroft, where armed robbers allegedly torched an elderly woman’s house.

Residents in Tynwald suspect the criminals may have targeted the school believing there was cash on the premises following the opening of the second school term.