SAMUEL NJINGA
The Masvingo Beef Producers Association has raised alarm over a growing trend of illegal cattle slaughtering operations taking place outside designated abattoirs, pointing fingers at both city authorities and national health regulators for failing to enforce existing regulations.
Chairperson of the Association, Robert Makadho, expressed grave concern over what he described as a dangerous and growing culture of butchery owners bypassing urban abattoirs and slaughtering cattle in the bush, posing a significant health risk to the public.
“This situation has become chaotic. It is not only endangering the lives of thousands of residents who unknowingly consume uninspected meat, but is also fueling a surge in livestock theft across the province,” Makadho said.
Makadho accused the City of Masvingo’s meat inspectors and officials from the Ministry of Health of failing in their duties, adding that the lack of stringent enforcement has emboldened law-breaking vendors.
Confirming these developments, Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa revealed that police recently conducted an extensive crackdown on illegal meat vending activities, resulting in the arrest of 134 individuals. The offenses ranged from unauthorised slaughtering in open bush areas to running unlicensed home butcheries.
“We work closely with the veterinary services and council health department during these operations. Carcasses from such illegal activities are confiscated, condemned, and disposed of in accordance with meat inspection laws,” said Dhewa. He added that daily campaigns are ongoing to educate the public and encourage the reporting of suspicious slaughtering practices.
Responding to the criticism, City of Masvingo Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika stated that the municipality is actively monitoring and regulating all legal slaughter facilities under its jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Kramer Manyetu reiterated that authorities are working diligently to stamp out illegal practices and ensure public safety.
Masvingo is home to approximately 100 registered butcheries, with nearly 80 concentrated in the densely populated suburbs of Mucheke, Rujeko, and Runyararo West. Economic pressures, however, appear to be driving some operators to skirt the law.
According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, many butcheries are feeling the financial squeeze as beef prices continue to climb, ranging from US$2.30 for economy cuts to US$2.80 for super grade meat at official abattoirs. The majority of butcheries are selling their beef at an average tune of US$4,00 to US$4,50.
“People are struggling. Most households can’t afford meat, and butcheries are battling rising operational costs. To stay afloat, some are avoiding formal abattoirs and the costly ZRP clearance processes, which are not only expensive but time-consuming,” said the source.
As the beef industry in Masvingo faces mounting pressure from both economic and regulatory challenges, stakeholders warn that without swift intervention and coordinated enforcement, the health and safety of consumers, along with the integrity of the local livestock market remain at serious risk. (11 Jan 2025)