Online Reporter
Online Reporter
MANICALAND province is presently experiencing an increase in stock theft, with police recently arresting a 24-year-old man on allegations of stealing 11 cattle in Nyanga before selling them to a farmer in the area for US$1 740.
The suspect, Sylvester Tembo, stole the cattle while he was in the company of two other accomplices, who are still at large.
When he was arrested, he was found in possession of US$500 cash, which was part of his share from selling the cattle.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.
“On May 8, 2025, police in Nyanga tracked and arrested Sylvester Tembo, aged 24, in connection with a case of stock theft which occurred at Jani village, Katerere area, in Ruwangwe, during the night on May 7, 2025, where 11 cattle were stolen,” he said.
“Investigations by the police revealed that the suspect and his accomplices identified as Wellington Mupezeni and Nigel stole the cattle and sold them to Edson Gotekote at Sabamba village for US$1 740.
“The arrest led to the recovery of the stolen cattle and US$500 cash, which had been given to Sylvester Tembo as his share from the selling of the stolen stock. The other suspects are on the run. Anyone with information to report at any nearest police station.”
In March this year, police in Chimanimani reacted quickly and arrested five suspects who were skinning a beast that had allegedly been stolen from a local farmer.
The suspects were Wilbert Tunge (21), Panashe Mawunga (23), Paul Mudzonda (40), Obern Muriro (44) and Dorcas Mukameso (62) — all from Maraisi village, Chief Mutambara.
They were arrested in connection with the theft of a beast belonging to Mr Eliah Masango (83).
One of the suspects, Mawunga, operates a butchery at Wengezi Business Centre, and had paid Tunge US$200 for the ox.
The US$200 was recovered by the police at the scene.
In another case, police in Headlands also arrested three suspected cattle rustlers before recovering two cattle.
The suspects were Tafadzwa Marima (38), Jaison Gwemende (52) and Paul Govero (17) — all of Zambara in Headlands — who were arrested for allegedly stealing cattle belonging to Petros Meke and Petros Sarauchireva.
Headlands has been topping cases of stock theft nationally, leading to ZRP hosting the 2024 National Anti-Stock Theft campaign in the area.
Online Reporter