Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
OFFICER Commanding police in Manicaland, Commissioner Elizabeth Phiri, has urged farming communities and stakeholders to join forces with law enforcement agencies to combat the surge in stock theft cases plaguing the province.
Speaking at the provincial anti-stock theft campaign launch at Gaza Business Centre in Buhera District last week, Commissioner Phiri emphasised the need for collective action.
Buhera District is grappling with a devastating wave of cattle rustling, with thieves targeting vulnerable livestock.
The perpetrators skin and debone the carcasses, leaving farmers to suffer substantial losses as livestock hold significant value, serving, not only as a status symbol, but also providing essential draught power, manure, and vital source of income during emergencies.
Commissioner Phiri warned communities against harbouring criminals, instead encouraging them to take proactive role in assisting law enforcement agencies.
“It is imperative that communities help us root out these criminals who are depriving them of their valuable assets. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to community members for their assistance in the fight against stock theft. The community must continue taking a leading role in building the police they want, as police service is founded solely for serving communities.
“Despite efforts by provincial police to combat stock theft, cases of theft and deboning remain alarmingly high, hindering the development agenda for both the province and country. Notably, these stock thieves often have connections within communities, stealing from and hiding among them. We urge communities to assist police in locating and arresting these individuals, ensuring they face justice.
“To intensify efforts to prevent stock theft, ZRP established the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, mandated to combat this scourge. This unit embodies the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s community policing initiatives, fostering collaboration between police, the public, and stakeholders to combat rampant stock theft,” she said.
She revealed that ZRP has put in place various measures and strategies to combat stock theft, which will only be successful if stakeholders, including farmers, abattoirs, and butchery operators, adhere to regulations and police advice.
“ZRP Manicaland has devised several strategies to combat stock theft, such as forming village anti-stock theft committees to enhance interaction between police and stakeholders in the stock and meat industries,” she said.
These strategies include – reminding farmers to practice daily herding, penning, and counting of livestock; encouraging timely reporting of stolen stock to police by farmers; sharing stock-theft-related information between police and community; ensuring farmers properly clear their livestock using the ZRP Livestock Clearance Certificate Form 392; branding and ear-tagging livestock to improve traceability and identification; and strict adherence to regulations governing the livestock and meat industries by abattoirs and butchery operators, among others.
The campaign was attended by Chief Chimombe, Chief Nyashanu, business community and Government department and agencies.
