Cattle rustlers become notorious in Masvingo province.
BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO
Cattle rustlers have gradually became notorious in Masvingo province thereby causing sleepless
nights to the majority of farmers in the region. Acting Masvingo Police Spokesperson Assistant
Inspector Lorine Ndhlovu confirmed that they have received several reports concerning thieves
who habitually sneak into farmer’s pens in order to steal cattle particularly in Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Gutu and Bikita districts.
“In Bikita we nabbed some of the notorious elements. In Gutu we have arrested some of the rustlers. However we are still making further investigations following fresh reports that the cattle rustlers have developed a tendency of breaking into cattle pens where they drive out beasts of their choice to a nearby secluded place where they slaughter the beasts before speeding off with the carcasses.” Articulated Assistant Inspector Ndhlovu.
She added, “In Chiredzi a peculiar group of cattle rustlers is stealing cattle along the Zimbabwe –Mozambique boarder. These culprits illegally drive the herds into neighbouring Mozambique. As police we have long since embarked on serious investigations as well as awareness campaigns in a bid to net these unscrupulous suspects.”
“As farmers we indeed farmers have a torrid time as these rustlers perpetually sneak into our pens during the midnight to steal our cattle. We have so far implemented some of the teachings that we received from the Zimbabwe Republic Police. We allocated each other duty roasters so as to make sure that our cattle are safe from thieves during the night. We have also agreed on collective penning and this is paying off.” Said Maranele Baloyi who is one of the popular farmers in the Southern part of Chiredzi.
Lazarus Chimenyi, a local farmer in Mwenezi, is of the opinion that it is prudent for police to increase the number of patrols as well as the number of police substations so as to curb this syndrome. “This problem is not a problem at all. It is all about planning. There is need for revisiting priorities. Lets have police substations in areas where stock theft has become rampant.
Let`s also have the number of police officers being increased in such areas. This can be
implemented as a temporary measure until the problem comes to a halt.” Said Chimenyi.
Masvingo province contributes close to half of the national herd. From time immemorial
Chiredzi and Mwenezi districts have emerged as champions in cattle ranching.