Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
A rabies scare has gripped the Mabale area in Hwange District after veterinary authorities detected suspected cases of the deadly disease in cattle and launched investigations into the alleged illegal sale and slaughter of sick animals, whose meat may have been consumed by members of the public.
The Department of Veterinary Services confirmed that suspected rabies cases were identified in cattle in Mabale Ward 17 after animals began displaying abnormal behaviour associated with the disease, including excessive bellowing, salivation and aggression.
According to a report from the Government Veterinary Office in Hwange, veterinary officials were alerted last week to the sale and slaughter of three cattle on different dates — February 10, 15 and 17 — in Mabale.
The animals were reportedly unwell but were sold and slaughtered without clearance from relevant local authorities such as the Veterinary Department, the Zimbabwe Republic Police or village leadership.
Government Veterinary Officer for Hwange District, Dr Zanele Matatu, said the development had raised major public health concerns as the carcasses were later sold to members of the public through local butcheries.
“During the course of last week, the Veterinary Department was alerted of three beasts sold and slaughtered on two different dates, the 10th, 15th and 17th of February 2026 in Mabale. The cattle at Mabale Dip Tank were reportedly bought while ill, with signs such as bellowing, aggression and salivation. No authorities such as the village head, the police or the Veterinary Department were involved in the sale or slaughter of the beasts,” said Dr Matatu in an official report.
Dr Matatu said the uninspected meat was allegedly sold at a local shop in Dete Centre, which operates a butchery, and at Family Meat Butchery in Mabale.
Following the report, veterinary officers visited the seller’s homestead, where they discovered another cow suspected to be rabid.
“The cow was destroyed and a rabies sample was submitted to the laboratory,” said Dr Matatu.
Police have since been called in and investigations are underway. The affected butcheries have been temporarily barred from selling meat while authorities determine whether the public may have consumed infected meat.
“One butcher still has meat present while the entire area under concern has been placed under quarantine pending investigations,” Dr Matatu said.
Authorities suspect the three slaughtered cattle may also have been infected with rabies.
“It’s our suspicion that these slaughtered beasts may have had rabies and that the public was exposed to it,” she said.
Sources familiar with the matter alleged that one of the implicated butcheries at a shop in Dete is reportedly linked to a Hwange East politician. The cattle were allegedly purchased for around US$150 each, well below the average market value of about US$300 for a healthy animal — raising concerns that the buyers knew the animals were sick.
Another butchery reportedly involved is said to be operated by a local environmental officer. Authorities have not confirmed any identities, saying investigations remain ongoing.
Public health officials are now urging residents who may have consumed meat from the affected butcheries during the specified period to seek medical advice, as rabies is a fatal viral disease transmissible through infected animals.
The situation has drawn particular concern because Mabale is close to Hwange National Park, where livestock often mingle with wildlife such as jackals and buffaloes — known carriers of rabies and foot and mouth disease.
Veterinary officials have recommended temporarily shutting down meat sales in the affected wards while assessments continue. They are also encouraging vaccination of livestock and humans who may have been exposed, as a precautionary measure.
Further updates are expected once laboratory test results and police investigations are completed.
