Armed robbers snatch US$95 000 in Harare school heist

By Auther Chimbgwa

Three men armed with pistols attacked guards at a private school in Harare during the early hours of Monday before making off with US$95 500 cash which was being kept in the Bursar’s office.

Police spokesperson for Harare Province Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed police received a case of armed robbery, which took place at Nattie Group of Schools in Southerton, Harare.

“On the 12th of January 2026 at around 1am, three unknown male suspects entered into Nattie Group of Schools premises in Southerton wearing monkey hats and overpowered two security guards whilst they were doing perimeter checks,” said Inspector Chakanza in a statement.

“The other two suspects were holding pistols whilst the third one was holding a mattock.

“The suspects tied the two victims using shoelace on both hands and legs.”

They then broke into the school’s administration office through the window.

Police said the gang entered the strong room by grinding its door before they blew off a safe, which they found with no money.

They shifted their focus on the Bursar’s office from which they stole a small safe which was in an unlocked desk drawer. The cash box had US$95 500.

The two guards later managed to untie themselves and made a report at Southerton Police Station.

The crime scene was attended by officers from Southerton Police Station together with CID Homicide and Support Unit.

Nothing was recovered and no arrests had been made.

Police are appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.