Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
Farmers in parts of Zvimba District are living in fear after suspected stock thieves broke into livestock pens, stole goats and slaughtered them before attempting to sell the meat.
Several goat heads were found at the slaughter site, while carcasses were later recovered following a police operation triggered by a tip-off from a local butcher.
The goats were stolen from farms between Witchens and Dondo River in Ward 17 under the Zvimba Rural District Council area.
The suspected rustlers were reportedly disturbed when police officers and community members, who had laid a trap, moved in on them.
Police confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway to identify and arrest the suspects, who are believed to be members of the local community.
One of the affected farmers, Mr John Murambiwa, lost seven goats in a single night and was only able to recover some of the meat.
Farmers in the area have appealed for stronger police intervention, saying stock theft is threatening the viability and growth of farming operations.
“It is disheartening that farmers continue to be at the receiving end of thieves who constantly target livestock, affecting productivity and growth on our farms,” said Mr Murambiwa.
According to police, the suspects allegedly approached a local butcher and attempted to sell him goat meat.
However, the butcher became suspicious when he was instructed to collect the meat from a bushy area rather than a recognised slaughter facility.
“The butcher alerted the police after becoming suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the sale,” police said.
“A trap was set, but the suspects managed to escape when police moved in. They abandoned the stolen meat and fled into nearby bushland.”
The recovered carcasses have been kept by police while efforts continue to identify the owners.
Farmers who have lost goats have been urged to come forward and assist with identification, although some may only be able to recover meat, as the animals had already been slaughtered.
Community members have called for closer cooperation between police and residents to develop effective strategies to curb stock theft, which has become a growing concern in the farming area.
Police have appealed for information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
