Police bust Mat South cattle rustling syndicate

Mushe Sibanda all from Manama in Gwanda.
Mekia and David were reportedly intercepted in Esigodini while driving 17 beasts to an unknown destination and they implicated Mushe.
The other 10 beasts were recovered from Mushe’s homestead in Fort Rixon.
Police spokesperson for Matabeleland South province Inspector Tafanana Dzirutwe said the three suspects were arrested after police received a tip-off from members of the public.
“Information gathered by the police from members of the public revealed that two suspects were driving 17 cattle in Esigodini. The cattle are believed to have been stolen in Plumtree,” said Insp Dzirutwe.
“A patrol team made a follow-up and arrested two suspects, Mekia and David. The two suspects later implicated their accomplice, Mushe.”
Insp Dzirutwe said after investigations, the police discovered that David was a wanted person for similar offences he committed since 2009.
He said the arrest of the three suspects had solved other cases of theft of 14 beasts that were allegedly stolen by David since 2009.
“The sketchy information that we have is that Mushe Sibanda was the ring leader of the suspects as he would give them refuge at his rented residence at 55 Malole Farm, in Gwatemba, Filabusi.
“He also has another farm at 20 Lancaster, in Fort Rixon where 10 beasts were recovered. T here are other 44 beasts believed to have been stolen by the suspects, which are yet to be recovered,” said Insp Dzirutwe.
He said the recovered cattle were being kept at the Fort Rixon Farm and appealed to members of the public who lost their cattle to go and identify them.
He said members of the public who lost their cattle could contact the police on 0284-22172.
The three suspects will appear in court soon.