Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube, [email protected]
A DARING late-night livestock heist in Bulawayo went horribly wrong when a getaway vehicle broke down, leaving one suspect stranded in the bush guarding bloody meat while the rest vanished into the night.
Kudakwashe Shava (38) of Nkulumane has been remanded in custody until 9 June after appearing before Bulawayo
Magistrate Ms Evia Matura on charges of livestock theft. His two accomplices are still on the run, and police have launched a full-scale manhunt.
According to Prosecutor Mufaro Ndirayire, the theft took place on 14 May at around 10pm at a homestead in Wind Lochard, Bulawayo. The victim, Mehliselo Ncube, lost a cow and two goats valued at US$800.
The trio reportedly sneaked onto the property under the cover of darkness and headed straight for the kraal. Without wasting time, they slaughtered the cow and goats and loaded the carcasses into a vehicle for what they thought would be a clean getaway.
But fate had other plans.
As they fled the scene, their vehicle broke down, forcing the gang to ditch the meat in nearby bushes. Shava was left behind to guard the loot while the others went to search for alternative transport.
Unfortunately for him, the theft had already been reported to the police. Officers tracked the trail, leading them straight to Shava, who was arrested while sitting beside the stashed carcasses.
“The accused was guarding the meat in the bush when police found and arrested him,” said Prosecutor Ndirayire.
“His accomplices are still at large.”
Police are now appealing to the public for assistance in locating the other two suspects.
Meanwhile, Shava remains behind bars, and the community is left shaking their heads at a crime gone comically wrong but financially devastating.
derick.khumalo