Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
POLICE in Harare say there is a criminal connection between syndicates involved in stock theft and some of the butcheries supplying cheap meat being sold on the streets of the capital.
There has been a surge in stock theft cases, according to the police and some of these criminal syndicates have their footprints in Harare.
They sell the meat at cheap prices at selected butcheries which also do the same to vendors who operate on the streets of the capital.
In an awareness campaign, Harare Suburban District Chief Superintendent Christopher Mugurameno, said police had noted cases of stock theft in and around the city, where thieves steal livestock and then sell the meat to vendors.
Addressing members of the public at Hatcliffe Market, Chief Superintendent Mugurameno urged the city’s residents to avoid promoting criminality by purchasing meat from individuals or unlicensed butcheries.
“Food sold at open places and unlicensed butcheries are a big threat to people’s health as well as a major cause of an increase in stock thefts,” he said.
He said the criminal syndicates were targeting live chickens, rabbits, goats and cattle and selling the meat to some butcheries.
These butcheries then sell to food vendors who then offer cheap meat to members of the public.
In one reported incident, Elliot Mtape (52), of Ushewokunze, lost 40 broilers worth US$360 after thieves broke into his fowl run during the night.
Mtape said he was awakened by some noise and discovered that only 12 broilers remained.
Police Constable Jack Chitoro said the meat sold by unlicensed operators could lead to serious health complications. “A plate of sadza for a dollar from an unhealthy canteen costs more than US$500 on medical costs,” he said.
Constable Chitoro urged butchery operators to be licensed and to account for the origin of the meat in their premises.
Constable Jack Chitoro
“We are urging people to consider their health first and avoid cheap food with high risk and costs to their health.
“Do not buy meat sold in buckets by meat vendors,” he said.
He said police were conducting checks for health certificates, food standards and safety compliance, including whether employees have the required protective attire.
The awareness campaigns were carried out at Hatcliffe Market, along Domboshava Road, the Civic Centre in Marlborough, and Westgate Shopping Centre.
