POLICE WARN UNSCRUPULOUS BUSINESS PEOPLE OVER STOCK THEFT

Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI

UNSCRUPULOUS business people in the meat industry and the general public, who are providing markets for cattle rustlers, have been warned that the long arm of the law will descend on them heavily once detected.

The call was made by Provincial Police Spokesman, Ian Kohwera after the police busted and arrested some cattle rustlers in Chegutu recently.

Inspector Kohwera, told H- Metro, that police in Chegutu arrested Gilbert Phiri,35, and Edwin Maruma,25, for stock theft.

He said police received information from members of the general public that Phiri used to sell meat to various people in Chegutu area and was about to receive another carcass.

Kohwera said police pursued the information and raided his house and a search was conducted at his house where 10kgs of beef meat, knuckle bones, and a hind quarter were recovered hidden underneath his bed.

A further 5kgs of beef was recovered in the fridge and a scale in the house.

“During interviews, Phiri led the police to Maruma and his counterpart,” said Kohwera.

He said Maruma was arrested and led the police to house no 24556 Kaguvi 2, Chegutu, where 14kgs of beat meat was recovered of which 5kgs was steak meat.

Another 50kgs and a three-quarter carcass were recovered at his home.

Kohwera said Phiri, Maruma, and their co-suspects Innocent Mbaimbai of 1245 Johannesburg in Norton and one only known as Tawanda of no fixed abode, who are believed to have been stealing cattle in and around Chegutu, Selous and Norton area.

He said they used Maruma and Tawanda’s vehicles to transport the carcasses to their homes for sale during the night.

Kohwera said Maruma’s vehicle, a Honda fit registration number ACW2018 was recovered by the police as an exhibit.

“So far, the suspects have cleared 12 cases of stock theft reported at different police stations and some which were not reported.

“We also applaud vigilant members of the community in Chegutu for supplying vital information that led to the arrests of the suspects.

“We also appeal to anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mbaimbai and Tawanda to approach any nearest police station, “ said Kohwera.