Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
OVER 300 butcheries and food outlets have been shut down across Zimbabwe as police intensify a nationwide crackdown on stock theft and the illegal sale of meat.
The operation, which has already led to hundreds of arrests, is targeting both livestock rustling syndicates and businesses flouting regulations governing the handling and sale of meat.
In a statement, police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the ongoing operation — code-named “Batai Mbavha Dzemombe Nembudzi” — has gathered momentum since its launch.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police refers to the press release issued on 28 April 2026 regarding the nationwide operation code-named ‘Batai Mbavha Dzemombe Nembudzi’ or ‘Flash Out Cattle and Goat Rustlers or Bambani Amasela Ezinkomo Lembuzi’ targeting stock theft and the illegal sale of meat. The police have intensified the operation across the country,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said 415 suspects had been arrested in connection with stock theft, while a further 2 997 people had been apprehended for related offences.
He said police have recovered significant numbers of stolen livestock, including 43 cattle, 35 goats, 13 donkeys, one pig and 54 chickens.
The arrests have also extended to individuals operating without valid butcheries’ licences, engaging in illegal meat vending, failing to produce stock movement permits, and not maintaining proper stock registers.
Others were cited for violating public health and veterinary regulations.
As a result of these offences, police have closed down several non-compliant business premises, including 205 butcheries and 125 food outlets.
Authorities say the operation will continue as part of efforts to curb stock theft and protect both consumers and the livestock industry.
