Security Guard Killed in Mabelreign Robbery as Crime Wave Escalates in Harare Western Suburbs

HARARE – A security guard stationed at Hallingbury Primary School in Mabelreign has died following a violent robbery attack, as community leaders warn of a deepening security crisis across Harare’s western suburbs. The fatal incident, confirmed on April 14, has heightened fear among residents in Mabelreign, Sunridge, Greencroft, and Westgate, coming amid a surge in armed robberies in the area.

Ward 17 councillor Happymore Gotora said the guard was brutally assaulted by robbers while on duty and later succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

“Today we woke up to sad news once again in our ward as we lost a life due to robbers. A security guard who was manning Hallingbury Primary School was severely assaulted and later died,” Gotora said.

Gotora revealed that the latest incident marks the second robbery-related death in the ward within a fortnight, underscoring growing insecurity in the community.

“This has caused great concern in our neighbourhoods, and something needs to be done as a matter of urgency to protect residents,” he added.

Residents say fear has gripped the area, with many now avoiding movement at night.

“We no longer feel safe. These robberies are becoming too frequent and too violent,” said a Mabelreign resident who declined to be named.

Following the incident, Gotora said he engaged officers at Mabelreign Police Station under the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who pledged to intensify security operations.

“They assured me that starting immediately, there will be intensified night patrols across all suburbs in the ward,” he said.

Additional units, including the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Dog Section, and Support Unit, have reportedly been deployed to reinforce patrols.

The killing comes just days after a series of high-profile robberies in the same area, raising fears of a coordinated criminal network. On April 10, armed suspects ambushed police officers in Mabelreign, assaulting three officers and stealing a Heckler & Koch G3 rifle, along with mobile phones and a vehicle. The officers were later treated at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Days later, on April 13, suspected members of the same gang allegedly used the stolen rifle to raid the Village of Hope Institution in Westgate, making off with more than US$30,000 after overpowering security guards. The firearm was later recovered at the scene, according to investigators.

Community leaders have urged residents to take precautionary measures as police investigations continue.

“Let us not open doors during the night, even for people we know, as they may be acting under duress. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately,” Gotora warned.

Security experts say the pattern of attacks points to organised criminal activity.

“The level of coordination and use of firearms suggests a structured gang operating across multiple suburbs,” said Harare-based security analyst Tinashe Dube.

Police have not yet confirmed arrests linked to the fatal attack, but say investigations into the robbery spree are ongoing. The latest incident has intensified calls for stronger policing and community vigilance, as residents in Harare’s western suburbs grapple with rising violent crime.

Mabelreign robbery killing