adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
THE Senior Minister of State Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has called for stiffer penalties on cattle rustlers saying the mandatory nine-year jail sentence was not deterrent enough.
Cde Khaya Moyo told villagers during a cattle branding event in Tshitshi area, Mangwe District, on Thursday that rampant cattle rustling was a threat to the country’s economy.
“Theft is not acceptable and we’ll never stop talking against it. The mandatory jail sentence for stock theft, which is nine years, appears not deterrent enough because cases of stock theft are still high nationwide,” he said.”
“These penalties need to be revised until they’re effective. Potential criminals should reconsider their actions just by recalling the possible consequences. If it means we have to keep on revising sentences for criminals to stop then so be it.”
Cde Khaya Moyo said people who are responsible for bringing down the economy through stock theft should be penalised.
He added that government was concerned about reports that some well-established commercial farmers were taking advantage of desperate villagers by offering them ridiculous prices for their cattle.
“Some buyers pay as little as $50 dollars to villagers who’re desperate to raise money to feed their families. These crooks go on to pen feed these cattle and then sell them for as much as $1,000. We’re going to investigate this issue and these crooks will be dealt with accordingly,” Cde Khaya-Moyo said.
He urged communities to embrace the computerised branding system and work closely with the police in weeding out rustlers.
“I’m informed that the ZRP has successfully launched this branding campaign in all districts in Matabeleland South except for Matobo.
“It’s now up to you as farmers to play your part by branding your cattle to guard against stock theft.”
Meanwhile, farmers called on authorities to speed up the branding process saying it was taking too long to clear their applications.
“A number of farmers sent applications for brands a long time ago but they’ve not received feedback. As a result, farmers are not able to sell their livestock as it is illegal to sell unbranded cattle,” said James Ross Goddard, a white commercial farmer.
He said white farmers were prepared to partner with government and communities to ensure the growth of the livestock farming sector.
A group of commercial farmers who attended the occasion donated a master bull to Tshitshi Ward to boost livestock production in the area.
The government, through the Registry Department, came up with computerised brand certificates for farmers to curb stock theft. The brands are personalised and owners traceable by the police and Registry Department.
Online Reporter