Panic at Mabelreign Girls High After Suspected Burglars Raid Hostel

Panic and anxiety have swept through Mabelreign Girls High School after suspected burglars allegedly broke into one of the school’s girls’ hostels and ransacked students’ lockers. According to sources at the school, the suspected thieves reportedly gained entry through a bathroom window in the duty teachers’ wing before making their way into dormitories located in the eastern section of the hostel complex. The incident reportedly occurred yesterday and has left students, parents, and staff shaken.

Sources said the intruders allegedly moved upstairs into several dormitories where they targeted lockers situated along bathroom passages. School authorities were still assessing the full extent of the break-in and determining the value of stolen property at the time of reporting. In a communication sent to parents and guardians, the school head informed families that students would be temporarily released while police conducted investigations and compiled inventories of missing items.

“I am therefore appealing to you to bring the girls by 1400hrs so that the police compile the lists and you also get to know what was stolen,” part of the statement read. “We also need to meet with the Parents/Guardians while the Police carry out their investigations, to share information.”

Local councillor Denford Ngadziore confirmed the incident and said further details would be released once police completed preliminary investigations. The burglary has heightened fears among residents in Harare amid growing concerns over rising criminal activity in several suburbs. Residents have claimed that a suspected gang linked to armed robberies and break-ins has been operating in the area for months while allegedly evading arrest.

The incident has also reignited debate over security at boarding schools and educational institutions across Zimbabwe. Parents and guardians have increasingly raised concerns about the safety of students following reports of robberies targeting schools, construction sites and homes. Security experts say schools may need to strengthen surveillance systems, improve perimeter security, and increase overnight patrols to reduce the risk of similar incidents. Police have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the Mabelreign Girls High School break-in.

Investigations are continuing.

Mabelreign Girls High burglary