Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
A NOTORIOUS cattle rustling syndicate that has been terrorising Beitbridge farmers for over a year has finally been smashed.
A total of 12 suspects, including meat vendors and a transporter, were dragged into the police net.
The daring gang is believed to be behind the theft and slaughter of over 40 cattle, with some carcases and skulls already positively identified by owners.
The operation, carried out by police on Sunday with help from community members, led to the arrest of six alleged rustlers, five meat buyers from town, and a transporter who allegedly ferried stolen meat.
Acting officer commanding Beitbridge district, Superintendent Philisani Ndebele, confirmed the breakthrough.
“We reacted to information from members of the public and arrested meat vendors. They led us to five of the suspects who were in the habit of stealing cattle and supplying them,” said Supt Ndebele.
“During further investigations we arrested another suspect and their transporter.”
The gang allegedly operated in bushy sites around Beitbridge where they butchered the cattle in secret. Police have since recovered fresh carcases, skulls, and meat linked to 41 beasts.
“Some of the remains have already been positively identified by their owners,” said Supt Ndebele.
“We are calling on those with missing or stolen livestock to come forward and check for possible recovery.”
Police are now working to determine whether the same group is behind other unresolved stock theft cases.
Meanwhile, in Shashe, four other suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing 47 goats, with police managing to recover 24 in Tshituripasi.
Supt Ndebele urged residents to report any suspicious activities, warning the public against buying meat from illegal vendors.
“We are working with other stakeholders to ensure we destroy these syndicates,” he said.
“At the same time, we want to discourage people from perpetuating this crime through buying meat from vendors.”
