adminLatwell Nyangu and Takudzwa Mahari
TWENTY-FOUR farmers in Featherstone have lost their livestock to rustlers who have invaded the area.
The cattle thieves slaughter the beasts in the dead of the night and farmers are worried by lack of follow-ups by authorities to bring the culprits to book.
One of the victims, Cloud Tekere, said:
“These criminals visited us two weeks ago where they were surveying how we keep the cattle. Following the visit, they then came to steal during the night.
“They are targeting the big cattle we use to plough. We no longer have any livestock to use for land preparation.
“Livestock theft is now rampant here in Featherstone and Chivhu.
“We are appealing to the police and authorities to help us save our remaining wealth,” he said.
He added: “We are devastated and traumatised that each day when we wake up, we find only the blood remains in the bush.
“In one week, almost 24 families have lost their cattle to these rustlers.
“The thieves are very cruel and they kill our source of labour leaving us with nothing.
“The last time they were disturbed by barking dogs, so they didn’t manage to finish their business, before leaving two beasts in the bush.”
Another victim, identified as Mukwarimba, said reporting to the police was not yielding any results.
“We report to the police but they only insist that they take rustling seriously but they did not cooperate or come to our rescue in time. I think these criminals are aware that police will not immediately respond to us, that’s why they take advantage.
“We are surprised why these thieves are not being caught since there are many road blocks along the Masvingo Road,” he said.
Another victim said:
“Since Wednesday, 24 families have been affected. We suspect these people are a syndicate.
“They come around 2 am, that is when they slaughter.
“These guys are dangerous since they can slaughter two or more cows in less than three hours.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter