Nyanga gang steals 22 beasts

Abel Zhakata Senior Reporter
POLICE have busted a four-man cattle rustling syndicate that had terrorized Nyanga villagers, stealing a total of 22 beasts in a month.

Although three other accomplices are on the run, the long arm of the law has caught up with the alleged mastermind who has since been arraigned before the courts.

Joseph Muvirimu of Chief Makumbe in Buhera was recently hauled before Nyanga magistrate, Mr Ignatio Mhene, facing three counts of stock theft involving the 22 cattle.

Although he denied the charges leveled against him, he was found guilty after the State provided overwhelming evidence t warrant a conviction.

It was the State’s case led by Mr Kelvin Mufute that the accused stole the cattle with his other accomplices, Joshua Murerwa, Gibson Nyanguru and Jealous Chigume.

“The complainant in the first count that occurred on September 27 last year is 42-year-old Fungai Sagwidza. On the day in question he took eight cattle to Nyangui Forest for grazing.

He left the cattle unattended. As he left the animals alone the accused person stole the cattle and drove them to Mayo where they were sold.

“The complainant made a follow up and recovered some of the cattle from villagers who had bought them.

“One of the villagers was caught loading the cattle into a truck,” said Mr Mufute.

Some of the cattle were found at a dip tank and the complainant positively identified them.

The stolen beasts were valued at $3 600 and cattle worth $2 000 were recovered.

Count two involves the theft of a bull belonging to Cephas Mapani which was stolen while grazing from the same forest as in count one.

It was driven to Mayo and sold to villagers there.

A total of 12 cattle were stolen from a villager, Tendai Timburwa, in count three.

The cattle were valued at $6 000 and only beasts valued at $1 000 were recovered.

Muvirima denied ever stealing the cattle saying the beasts were stolen by his accomplices who are on the run.

He said his only crime was that he was found in possession of stolen property and thus he should be charged accordingly.

Mr Mhene found him guilty as charged on all counts. He was supposed to be sentenced yesterday (Thursday).