adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
POLICE have warned farmers against picking herdboys from the streets, saying some of the people they employ are cattle rustlers. National Coordinator Anti-Stock Theft Unit Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza yesterday told Umguza farmers at Lizzie Shopping Centre that police have recorded several incidents where herdboys stole livestock from their employers.
He said farmers should rigorously check the backgrounds of those they seek to employ before entrusting them with their wealth.
“You need to vet the people you employ to herd your livestock. Some of the people you’re employing are criminals, stock thieves. We had an incident in Gweru where a herdboy who was left to shepherd a herd of over 120 head of cattle ran away with 100 head, crippling the farmer after working for six months,” he said.
“This isn’t the only case where a herdboy stole his employer’s cattle. We had another incident in Manicaland where another farmer employed a man from Mozambique to herd 80 cattle. After working for two months he stole the whole herd and returned to Mozambique. So scrutinise the people you’re employing. Don’t just pick someone you don’t know,” he said.
Snr Asst Comm Makodza said farmers should seek police assistance if they want to establish the records of those seeking employment as herdboys.
He said other people who turn out to be cattle rustlers are those who go to farms seeking to rent space.
He said these people are usually unknown to the local people and most of them will be running away from criminal records in other areas.
“If someone wants to stay in rural areas they don’t rent a place. They apply to the government to be offered land. How can someone leave the city to rent a farm? Some of these people you’re offering your farms to are criminals in hiding,” said Snr Asst Comm Makodza.
He said villagers should report any suspicious people in their areas.
Snr Asst Comm Makodza urged farmers to join Business Against Stock Theft forum, saying police cannot stop the cattle rustling menace without cooperation from members of the public.
derick.khumalo