Online Reporter
Fidelis Chavarike
Post Reporter
THREE suspected rustlers were last week stopped in their tracks in Betera Village under Chief Marange while driving away cattle, leading to their arrest and subsequent recovery of other beasts stolen earlier.
Stock theft in the area had become rampant and the trio’s arrest helped police crack some cases that were under investigation.
The recovered cattle were valued at US$2 960.
Rustlers are taking advantage that after harvesting crops villagers usually do not herd their cattle as they are left to roam the grazing lands.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrests of Bernard Chiwanani (29), Washington Josia (39), and Luke Chitombo (50).
“The accused persons were seen by Shackie Chikonzo and other villagers driving away four cattle in Betera Village. The trio, who was in the company of Chasarakufa Dare, was approached by the suspicious villagers who probed them about the cattle,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Dare fled from the scene, fueling the villagers’ suspicions.
“The villagers then effected a citizen arrest on the trio and handed them over to the police,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Police investigations revealed that the cattle belonged to Mr Tapuwa Chikonzo (38) of Chapeyama Village.
“The three accused persons indicated that on June 11, they stole two cattle from Mr Elton Mise which Chitombo took possession of. Two more cattle were also recovered after further investigations. A police report was filed at ZRP Marange,” he said.
Both Mr Chikonzo and Mr Mise positively identified their cattle at Marange Police Station.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka commended the local villagers for being vigilant in the fight against stock theft.
“We commend the community for their efforts in fight stock theft, and urge them to continue working with the police to prevent these cases,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
