Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
POLICE in Buhera have arrested two men in connection with the theft of two oxen worth US$3 000 after one of them was caught red-handed, while attempting to sell the stolen cattle under the cover of darkness in Dorowa. Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the arrest of Edias Mbengo (36) and Edwin Gonzo (52) followed a swift police reaction to a tip-off, resulting in the full recovery of the stolen bovines.
“The two men stole Brahman oxen valued at a total of US$3 000 from a farmer’s kraal in Zviyambe, Wedza. They were arrested while in the process of disposing of the stolen cattle, and all the stolen property was recovered,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The complainant, Agrippa Guti (41), of Farm 30, Zviyambe, discovered the theft on December 12, and immediately reported the matter to the police.
“On December 12, Guti reported the theft of two oxen from his kraal. One ox was brown with horns facing upwards, while the other was also brown with short horns, both were Brahman breed. Police attended the scene on the same day and commenced investigations,” he said.
He said stock theft investigations intensified after information was received five days later that the stolen cattle were being offered for sale.
“On December 17, at around 10pm, police received a tip-off to the effect that suspected stolen cattle were being sold at Village 13B, Romsley in Makoni South.
“Acting on that information, police reacted immediately and deployed officers, who posed as potential buyers,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, adding that the strategy led to the arrest of the first suspect, Mbengo, from Village 13B, Romsley, who was found in possession of the two oxen at his homestead.
“He was arrested at his homestead while in possession of the two stolen beasts. This clearly demonstrated intent to unlawfully dispose of the cattle,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said further investigations implicated a second suspect, Gonzo, a 52-year-old man from Farm 11, Zviyambe, Wedza, who was subsequently arrested at his homestead.
“Gonzo was implicated during investigations and was also arrested at his homestead. Both men are now in police custody,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said the total value of the stolen livestock was estimated at US$3 000. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed that the oxen were recovered intact and would be returned to the rightful owner following the completion of investigations and court processes.
“All the stolen stock was recovered. This was made possible by timely information from members of the public and swift police action,” he said. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Mbengo and Gonzo are being charged with stock theft as defined under Section 114 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
“They are facing charges of stock theft and are currently detained at ZRP Dorowa under relevant docket references, pending further investigations and their appearance in court,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He warned that police would not hesitate to deal decisively with individuals involved in stock theft syndicates, describing the crime as a serious offence with stiff penalties.
“Stock theft is a serious offence in Zimbabwe, and the law provides for severe punishment. Those who steal livestock must know that they are risking long custodial sentences,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka also issued a warning to would-be buyers of stolen cattle, saying purchasing livestock without proper documentation exposes buyers to criminal liability.
“We strongly caution members of the public against buying cattle at night, from undesignated places or without proper paperwork. If you buy stolen stock, you become part of the crime,” he said.
He added that police in Manicaland remain committed to combating stock theft and protecting farmers’ investments. Criminals should be warned that we will pursue them relentlessly,” he said.
