adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO police have applauded the local community for assisting in the fight against stock theft as the province recorded a 31 percent decrease in the crime rate.
Speaking at a police Anti-Stock Theft Branding Programme launch at Chikarudzo Primary School, about 35km south-east of Masvingo yesterday Police Officer Commanding Operations Assistant Commissioner William Tadyanemhandu said farmers should ensure that their cattle are branded as a way of curbing theft.
“During the period between January and December 2013, the province recorded 472 cases of stock theft against 683 received during the same period the previous year, translating to 31 percent decrease. The decrease is attributed to active participation by stakeholders namely, the police, business community, traditional leaders and general citizenry,” said Asst Comm Tadyanemhandu.
“Furthermore I am confident that this new model of cattle branding programme, if fully embraced by all livestock farmers, shall no doubt culminate in a significant reduction of stock theft. It will inevitably improve the identification of stray or stolen stock.”
Asst Comm Tadyanemhandu reaffirmed ZRP’s commitment towards strengthening the province’s livestock sector.
He said the police would religiously pursue various strategies as enshrined in the force’s Strategic Plan Vision 2020.
The plan runs under the theme, “Policing the nation for sustainable economic development.”
He said: “This unparalleled dedication to safeguard the pillars that sustain the country’s economy dovetails with government’s new economic blueprint, Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).”
derick.khumalo