Chronicle Editor
Canditar Chapanduka/ Tafadzwa Chibukwa, Chronicle Reporters
POLICE have arrested a suspected rustler in Bulawayo after his accomplices fled on foot following a high-speed chase along Matopos road.
Mandlenkosi Sibanda (50) from Esibomvu was intercepted yesterday towards midnight and two slaughtered cows, one in calf, were recovered from a Honda CRV vehicle that he was driving.
The rustlers allegedly did not stop for a police patrol unit along Matopos road and 23rd Avenue, prompting the police to give chase.
A motorist joined the chase and eventually blocked the fleeing trio.
Realising that they were cornered, two of the suspects jumped out of the car and disappeared into the darkness.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico yesterday said: “Police chased after the car and a high-speed chase was conducted where another motorist joined the chase, helping the police. The vehicle was then intercepted and the car was put in a corner where two of the passengers in the car ran away,” he said.
He said police arrested Sibanda who was left in the car and took the car loaded with the carcasses to Drill Hall Police Station, Bulawayo.
“When police interrogated Sibanda, he confessed that the trio had been employed by the owner of the vehicle to steal and slaughter cows along Harare Road after Shangani,” said Insp Ncube.
Sibanda who refused to comment is also helping the police to account for the other two who ran away.
He said the suspects used axes and machetes to slaughter the beasts.
Insp Ncube commended Drill Hall traffic police for a job well done.
“We appreciate the splendid job that was carried out by our police force that worked even during the night to stop crime. We are warning the public that Bulawayo will never be a market for any stolen property or produce,” he said.
The farmer whose cows were stolen, Mr Khumbulani Ndlela commended the traffic police.
He said he was hurt by the loss.
“As a farmer it’s painful because I invest a lot trying to survive in this economy while someone just comes to slaughter my cows, these beasts were worth about US$1 200,” he said.
Mr Ndlela said he believes the syndicate was supplying someone or a particular butcher in Nkulumane suburb.
He said he looked forward to the arm of the law catching up with the kingpin behind stock theft.
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