Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
A man from Tshankwa Village in Bulilima, Matabeleland South, who was captured in a widely circulated video receiving instant justice from angry villagers who accused him of putting snare wires in the bush to capture cattle, has appeared in court charged with stock theft.
Martin Ndlovu (39) appeared before Plumtree magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware on Wednesday.
He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to September 30, 2025.
The court also ordered that he be examined by two doctors in accordance with the Mental Health Act, as he was showing signs of a mental disorder.
The court heard that on September 15, at Forest Farm in Bulilima, Ndlovu allegedly captured a brown and white cow belonging to Sifiso Moyo, a fellow villager, using a snare he had set.
He then reportedly slaughtered the animal and was intercepted by villagers while on his way home with the meat.
Investigations led to the recovery of the cow’s hide, an ear tag with the complainant’s phone number, a wire snare and an axe, all of which will be presented in court as evidence.
The value of the stolen cow is estimated at US$600.
Ms Sheila Nyathi appeared for the State
