Anti-stock theft blitz nets 5 000

MORE than 11 000 cases of livestock theft were reported to the police last year, while over 5 000 criminals were convicted of the crime.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police received 11 313 stock theft cases from January 2023 to December 2023,” said police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

“A total of 1 150 arrests were made during the same period, while a total of 5 471 suspects were convicted of stock theft cases.”

Last year, police, working in collaboration with the Directorate of Veterinary Services, carried out an anti-stock theft blitz targeting people moving livestock without the requisite documentation.

A veterinary movement permit is required when moving livestock between districts.

“The police have timeously received information and crime tips through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter), the national complaints desk hotline and through suggestion boxes,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said awareness campaigns were being conducted in collaboration with traditional leaders.

The police, he said, were also working closely with farmers’ associations to effectively coordinate the fight against stock theft.

“We encourage farmers to have their cattle branded,” he said.

“Furthermore, we urge farmers to build cattle kraals near their homesteads and to report all stock theft cases at the nearest police station.”

Meanwhile, two men from Mudzi, Mashonaland East province, were each slapped with nine-year prison sentences last week after being convicted of stock theft.

Kudzanai Chakubva (38) and Elton Musvaire (23) were intercepted by a local resident, Mr Tinashe Chengahomwe (25), while driving two oxen without a permit in Tambudze village, Mudzi.

After being asked to produce a permit for the livestock, the two took to their heels towards a nearby mountain, leaving the cattle behind.

Mr Chengahomwe then took the animals to the police and made a report.

The police and local villagers, including Mr Chengahomwe, later formed a search party that eventually saw the two being arrested.

They were then brought before Mutawatawa magistrate Mr Obedience Matare, who sentenced them to nine years in jail each after a full trial.

Mr Steven Malota prosecuted.