Nine men charged in major cattle rustling case

Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
A gang of nine men appeared at the Tredgold Magistrate court in Bulawayo on Thursday, accused of running a cattle rustling operation in the Fort Rixon area. The suspects are alleged to have stolen and skinned 28 cattle from a local farmer.

According to police reports, the incident occurred in August, when the gang devised a plan to target the farmer’s herd. After an extensive search, law enforcement authorities apprehended the suspects on October 13.

During the investigation, police recovered five skinned carcasses and two heads of cattle that were positively identified as belonging to the victim. Additionally, 26 hides were found in the possession of the accused, matching the description of the stolen animals.

Authorities are now probing whether the suspects may have been involved in other cattle rustling activities, as 21 additional hides were recovered but have not yet been linked to specific cases.

The State, represented by Hazel Ncube, denied the accused persons’ bail request during Thursday’s session and scheduled another bail ruling for this coming Monday. The accused individuals are Ishamael Sibanda (31) from Mvurachena C village in Fort Rixon; Justin Ziyena (48) from Mandava, Zvishavane; Josphat Makuvaza (48) from Tatenda Village, Lambamai, Fort Rixon; Piraishe Mandende, (35) from Lambamai, Fort Rixon; Peter Tiziri (44) from Gwamanyanga Village, Fort Rixon; Trust Ndlovu, (34) from Mkiweni A, Lambamai, Fort Rixon; Justice Zhou (35) from Mvurachena C village, Lambamai, Fort Rixon; and Sabelo Moyo from Mxotshwa Village, Zvishavane.

Despite efforts to combat cattle rustling, the problem persists in Zimbabwe, with recent incidents highlighting the ongoing threat to livestock owners.

The surge in cattle theft has prompted authorities to implement various strategies, including the formation of community-based anti-rustling monitoring groups. However, the number of cases continues to rise, with many animals both stolen and missing.

Rustlers often target rural areas on the outskirts of major cities like Bulawayo, where they can find a ready market for stolen meat. In a recent incident, police arrested a suspect, Bhekilizwe Nyathi, who is believed to be part of a gang that stole and slaughtered five cattle in the Fort Rixon area. The gang attempted to smuggle the carcasses to a butchery in Bulawayo’s Magwegwe suburb.

Inspector Abednico Ncube, the Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson, has issued a stern warning to the public. Not only will police target cattle rustlers, but they will also crack down on individuals who purchase stolen meat and those involved in the distribution of illicit livestock products, including butcheries and street vendors.