The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
STUDENTS from Kwekwe Polytechnic College have become the latest target group for the machete attacks that have sprouted around the mining town with two students having been attacked and robbed recently.
Sources from the college told Sunday News that two students were reportedly seriously injured after a group of machete-wielding assailants pounced on them on their way home from the institution and robbed them of cash, cellphones and laptops among other gadgets.
Kwekwe Poly acting principal Engineer Callisto Muzongondi confirmed the developments saying his office has been inundated with reports to that effect.
“It is worrying that our students have become the latest targets of these thugs. We have had so many reports since the beginning of the term,” he said.
Eng Muzongondi said they have since adjusted the timetable so that students do not travel at night.
“We have since adjusted the timetable to ensure that they knock off at a safer time. Their knock off time has been reviewed from 1645 hours to 1600 hrs to ensure that they get to their homes safely,” said Eng Muzongondi.
He also said they have engaged various stakeholders to map a way forward.
“We have had meetings with various stakeholders to see how best we can prevent such things from happening. Of note we held a meeting with Mayor Clr Matenda Madzoke over street lighting that we feel should be improved,” he said.
He said police promised to increase patrols in the area. Eng Muzongondi however, said some students would be embarking on personal programmes when they get attacked.
“We have the latest two cases. The two students were mugged at the centre of the CBD around 2100 hours after they had knocked off. But the issue is they now that the students have gadgets that can be sold and converted into cash and they have become chief targets,” said Eng Muzongondi.
Last week, one student was left for dead while several students were left nursing injuries after a gang pounced on their rented apartment in Msasa Park and went away with gadgets ranging from laptops, cellphones and cash after they tortured those who refused to give in.
Acting Midlands Provincial Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mkwende said she was yet to receive the reports.
