Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
A prominent safari operator has appeared in court over an alleged large-scale cattle theft scam involving more than 500 head of cattle valued at US$472 000.
Timothy John Schultz (57), of Kumalo, Bulawayo, appeared at the Gwanda Magistrates’ Court facing 12 counts of stock theft.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the thefts occurred between August 2024 and April 2025 at Maphaneni Ranch in Kezi.
“Allegations are that the accused person systematically misled a ranch worker by claiming that he had been authorised by the complainant, Fbris Luka Ignatius, to sell cattle to pay salaries,” read part of the NPAZ statement.
The NPAZ further stated that no cattle had been recovered.
“It is alleged that the accused person sold the cattle to an abattoir, set the prices himself, and converted the proceeds for personal use,” the statement read.
Schultz was remanded in custody to 14 August.
In an unrelated incident, three men from Kwekwe have been convicted after being caught in possession of zebra meat.
The trio — Nyasha Musariri (28), Lovemore Kusena (35), and Tinashe Mukuza (34) — recently appeared at the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court.
According to the NPAZ, on 4 August 2025 the three were found in possession of zebra meat by police detectives in the Dunlop area near Kwekwe. They failed to produce a permit authorising them to be in possession of the meat.
“The first and second offenders were each sentenced to 10 months in prison, with five months suspended. The third offender received a sentence of 10 months, with six months suspended.
“The NPAZ remains committed to prosecuting environmental crimes and ensuring that offenders are held accountable in accordance with the law. We urge members of the public to respect wildlife protection laws and to report any suspected poaching activities to the relevant authorities. Together, we can safeguard Zimbabwe’s natural heritage for future generations,” said the NPAZ.
