POLICE PROBE SLAUGHTER OF 500 CATTLE IN MUTOKO

Arron Nyamayaro

POLICE have launched investigations to establish what really happened to about 500 cattle in Mutoko whose carcasses have flooded social media.

National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said investigations have since begun.

“Police are investigating circumstances surrounding the slaughter of almost 500 animals in Mutoko.

“We will issue a comprehensive statement soon after the completion of the investigations,” he said.

Some villagers have been posting audios, and videos, suggesting that some Muslims were slaughtering animals for blood and leaving the whole meat to villagers.

The president of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, Sheikh Ishmail Duwa, told H-Metro:

“We have learnt about the slaughtering of animals for rituals in Mutoko through social media,” said Duwa.

“We have since instituted an investigation to find out if this is being done by Muslims or it’s meant to tarnish the image of Islamic.

“Yes, Muslims have a festival called Eid al-Adha (also known as Eid ul-Adha or Bakrid), which involves the sacrifice of animals as a religious ritual.

“The festival commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God.

“During Eid al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice animals like sheep, goats, cows, or camels, and the meat is then distributed to the poor and needy.”

He added:

“The sacrifice is done to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, show gratitude to Allah (God) for His blessings and demonstrate obedience to God’s commands.

“The festival is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which falls about 70 days after Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

“It’s important to note that the sacrifice is not done for the purpose of bloodshed, but rather as a symbol of devotion and obedience to God. The meat is then used to feed the poor and needy, promoting charity and generosity.”

He also noted the shortage of halal meat in the country.

For meat to be certified halaal, at least according to Muslims, it must be slaughtered in a manner known as dhabiha.