Takawira Photoveteran Nyashanu Dapi
HWEDZA farmers, Mr Becare Mutaramuswa (38) and his wife Ms Oliwinah Tarwirei Mutaramuswa (32) of Sengezi Ward, Goto Farm Turnoff along the Hwedza-Mutekedza Road, were left counting their losses after thieves stole 17 of their goats.
The livestock were taken while grazing unattended, alongside five goats belonging to a neighbour.
A distraught Mr Mutaramuswa said only the kids returned home that evening.
“Yes, it’s true we lost 17 goats after they vanished from where we had left them to graze,” he said. “Only the kids came back home on the day after their mothers were driven off. We have always left them to graze unattended. I have reported this case to the Hwedza Police Station, and they have since come here and promised to investigate.”
He added that the theft was a heavy blow to his family, who rely solely on farming for a living.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mashonaland East Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi confirmed the incident.
“ZRP Wedza is investigating a report of stolen goats from Sengezi Ward,” he said. “Farmers should not let their stock graze alone but should always keep a closer look or assign someone to look after their stock at all times.
“Stock thieves are taking advantage of thick forests to steal goats or cattle, especially in resettled areas. We also encourage farmers to quickly report any stock theft cases to the police so that they can gather evidence while it is still available.”
Insp Chazovachiyi noted that prompt reporting had recently helped police recover stolen livestock across the province.
In one incident, ZRP Beatrice recovered 18 of 24 goats stolen from a farm and returned them to the owner, while police in Nyamapanda tracked and recovered 33 goats stolen from the Nyahuni area and driven into Mozambique.
“Their success hinged on the ability of victims to quickly report their cases to the police, who picked up the spoor and followed them up,” he said. “Farmers should also actively participate in Village Anti-Stock-Theft Committees and Neighbourhood-Watch-Committees and collective-penning so that they look after their stock.”
