Farmers honour heroic neighbourhood watch member who clung onto rustlers’ vehicle while they hit him with an axe- Police Commissioner to award him Certificate of Excellency

Peter Matika

A GROUP of farmers from Hope Fountain on the outskirts of  Bulawayo are coming together today to honour a heroic member of the neighbourhood watch committee for his courageous efforts in aiding the arrest of a suspected cattle rustler.

Shepherd Ncube played a vital role in the apprehension of Bhekilizwe Nyathi, who with two other accomplices that are still at large was found in possession of five carcasses of stolen cattle valued about US$2 250.

Ncube, through his act of heroism was subjected to assault after the trio hit him on the mouth with the back of an axe in an attempt to flee when he went to investigate a precariously parked vehicle outside his home.

In a spur of the moment Ncube latched himself onto the back of the truck as the suspected rustlers tried to escape.

Ncube, during the adrenalin and gut clutching situation called out for help from residents in Nkulumane suburb, before the vehicle came to a halt, leaving the three suspects with no option but to flee on foot.

Nyathi was however outpaced and captured by residents.

In a statement Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the group of farmers wanted to honour Ncube for his act of bravery with a token of appreciation.

“He will also be given a certificate of excellence by our commissioner,” said Insp Ncube.

Nyathi has since appeared in court on routine remand and is set to appear in court tomorrow for commencement of trial.

In the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe, livestock, especially cattle, are crucial to the local economy and people’s livelihoods.

However, in the past three years, cattle losses due to rustling and environmental factors have reached alarming levels.

Cattle rustling has been a significant issue in Matabeleland, particularly in Matabeleland South, where incidents of stock theft are prevalent. For instance, in a single police operation in 2019, 61 cattle were recovered, valued at approximately US$30 000.

Reports suggest that rustlers often target cattle wandering near highways or remote areas, making it difficult for farmers to protect their herds. Communities in Gwanda and other areas have repeatedly called for increased police patrols to combat the rising tide of theft.