Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
TWO men have been arrested after police intercepted a Toyota Hilux truck which was loaded with cattle carcasses.
The stolen cattle carcasses were being transported from Marange to Mutare in a suspected stock theft case.
Manicaland police provincial spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects.
They have been identified as Witness Bumhira (45) of Rambai Village, under Chief Marange, and Ezra Mauridi (34) of Musharu Village, also under Chief Marange.
The two were arrested on Monday, following a tip-off received by the Mutare Rural District Crack Team.
Asst-Insp Chinyoka said the crack team received information that a white Toyota Hilux single cab, registration number AEX 6308, was transporting cattle carcasses from Chirinda in Marange to Mutare.
“Acting on the tip-off, our members set up an ambush at the 22 Miles T-junction along the Mutare route.
“At around 1800 hours, the vehicle appeared and was signalled to stop.
“However, the driver failed to comply and sped off,” he said.
Police gave chase and eventually intercepted the vehicle at the 22 Miles Toll gate bypass road, where the car had been driven into a bush.
When they searched the vehicle, the officers recovered cattle carcasses which were loaded at the back of the single cab.
Asst-Insp Chinyoka said the driver, Bumhira, failed to produce any documentation authorising the two to transport the carcasses.
“Bumhira alleged that he had bought the beasts from an unknown owner in Mutizha Village under Chief Marange.
“However, he could not provide any proof of purchase or movement permits as required by law,” he said.
Both suspects were arrested and taken to ZRP Mutare Rural Police Station, where they were detained.
Asst-Insp Chinyoka said the vehicle and recovered carcasses are being held as exhibits pending further investigations.
Asst-Insp Chinyoka said police were intensifying their efforts to take down the gangs which were involved in stock theft in the province.
“Stock theft remains a serious offence which continues to affect rural communities.
“We are intensifying patrols and crackdowns across the province.
“Anyone found on the wrong side of the law will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
He also urged members of the public to report suspicious movements of livestock or meat products. He said investigations were underway to establish the origin of the recovered carcasses and whether other suspects may be linked to the syndicate.
Mathew Masinge