BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO
The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Masvingo is having a torrid time due to the continuous escalation of stock theft cases in the province. This was confirmed by Officer Commanding Masvingo Police Province, Commissioner Crispen Charumbira, in his speech read by Officer Commanding Chiredzi Police District, Chief Superintendent Robert Chihwereva, in Chiredzi in Chief Chilonga area during a police Anti-Stock Theft massive campaign held on Wednesday.
Police are imploring members of the public to take collaborative measures in battling against the scourge. Daily head counting before and after driving out cattle, daily herding and penning, collective cattle penning and personal cattle branding are some of the tips that villagers are urged to consider as pertinent. It is further advised that villagers should keep dogs with them since dogs are known for raising alarm whenever there is an intruder. Village Anti-Stock Theft Committees for the purpose of monitoring strangers and the issuing of stock clearance certificates also play a utility role in curbing stock theft.
For the period extending from May to April 2023 a total of 364 cases of stock theft involving all forms of livestock were reported while a total of 347 cases were reported from May to April 2024. This implies a total comparative reduction of 17 cases between the two years.
“The issue of stock theft continues to give us sleepless nights. We keep on urging you to work tirelessly hard in giving us tip-offs in order to get rid of this scourge. It is through your cooperation that we are able to fulfill our mandate. We must also desist from drug and substance abuse. Lets keep on monitoring our children. Lets join forces in getting rid of early child marriages. There is nothing like consent in such matters. Let`s shun violence, avoid culpable homicide as well as murder cases. Always find proper means of amicably resolving disputes,” read Chihwereva who was addressing multitudes of Chilonga farmers in the Shona vernacular.
Masvingo province contributes almost half of the national herd in terms of statistics. Research has shown that the majority of cattle rustlers in the province are found in Chiredzi. Some of these sneak with the stolen herds of cattle during the night into Mozambique. One of the most notorious and historic culprits in the region, Munashe Taruberekera, (48) was nabbed and caged in February this year for stealing 38 cattle from different individuals. He will spend 111 years behind bars. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has gone miles in providing members of the public fundamental tips and awareness campaigns that are useful to the majority of farmers, villagers and residents in the province. A significant drop in the number of criminal cases has been noted as a result. Equally commendable also is the Crime Watch radio programme that is aired every Friday from 7:00pm to 7:30pm in the evening on Hevoi FM Radio Station.