admin
Winnie Masara
TWO cattle rustlers were arrested in Gokwe for allegedly stealing cattle and selling to a local butchery.
Their arrest followed the recovery of a carcass while two other cows awaited slaughter at the same butchery at Chomumvuri Business Centre.
Donald Bharo (25) and his brother Tinei Bharo (28) both of Bharo Village, under chief Nemangwe allegedly stole one of the beasts on the night of 22 December from Leon Chivari of Bick Village’s kraal.
They further stole the other two on the night of 27 December from Edward Mbere’s kraal, while he was asleep.
Officer Commanding Police Gokwe District, Chief Superintendent Johannes Govo, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.
He said the carcass was recovered at Tinos Maphosa’s butchery following a tip-off by members of the community.
Investigations led to the recovery of the other two beasts, which awaited slaughter at their time of arrest on Friday.
“We are investigating a case of stocktheft following the discovery of a carcass at a local butchery. Two suspects were arrested and are in custody assisting police with further investigations. Two live beasts were discovered at the same butchery,” said Chief Supt Govo.
He appealed to villagers who may have lost cattle recently to approach police and make reports.
Police has also advised those running butcheries and food outlets to desist from buying livestock from back door deals as they risk buying stolen ones.
Chief Supt Govo said most businesspersons fall prey to such deals because of the cheap prices offered by these rustlers.
“When police recover the stolen livestock, the victims are bound to suffer loss too, hence we urge people to buy cleared livestock through proper procedures, with police and veterinary services.
“It is also important to buy from registered abattoirs to avoid buying uninspected meat,” he said.
Stock theft has become rampant across the region despite the constant warning by police.
A 19-year-old herdman was arrested in Fort Rixon while his other four accomplices are still on the run for allegedly stealing his employer’s 45 cattle.
Solomon Sibanda who was employed at Twinrivers Farm connived with Khumbulani Golintethe, Sitwell Zondeka, Tapiwa Mandina and another man only identified as Henry and they stole 45 beasts belonging to Patric Korstein while he was away.
Sibanda was then allegedly given a car by Mandina as a gift for assisting them in stealing the beasts.
He was not asked to plead when he appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda facing stock theft charges.
He was remanded in custody to 18 January.
Sibanda and his accomplices committed the offence in June last year.
Online Reporter