Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A SECURITY guard who turned livestock theft into a full-time business has been jailed for eight years after preying on villagers’ goats over several months.
Charles Munayi (38) of Makotopeya Village in Chipinge was convicted on five counts of stock theft at the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court. Between December 2024 and August 2025, Munayi, a security guard at Real Star, stole 14 goats in five separate incidents, none of which were recovered.
The NPAZ statement detailed the thefts: “Four she-goats worth US$80 were stolen from a 45-year-old woman in July 2025; four goats valued at US$160 from a 78-year-old woman between July and August; three goats worth US$110 from a 27-year-old woman between December 2024 and April 2025; one she-goat valued at US$40 from a 38-year-old man in August 2025; and two goats worth US$80 from a 40-year-old man in July 2025. The total value of the stolen livestock was US$470.”
Munayi reportedly broke into goat pens at night, slaughtered the animals in nearby bushes, and handed over the meat to his accomplice, Biggie Jamu, who sold it to vendors, restaurants, and individuals. Police intercepted Jamu with a bucket of goat meat on 31 August, 2025, which led to Munayi’s arrest.
He was sentenced as follows: 24 months each for Counts 1, 2, 3, and 5 (with portions suspended on restitution), and 18 months for Count 4 (partially suspended on restitution), bringing the effective sentence to 96 months (8 years) imprisonment.
The NPAZ urged communities to remain vigilant. “Stock theft undermines rural livelihoods and food security. This sentence sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated,” the statement read.
