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have continued to rise, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police anti-stock theft unit. Most stolen cattle are slaughtered with the meat sold anonymously.
Despite frantic efforts by the ZRP Anti-Stock Theft Unit to collaborate with communities, they still face problems.
Speaking at a handover ceremony of 10 bulls to Mubaira community at Murove business centre by Minister Nguni recently, Officer Commanding Police Chief Superintendent Muchineripi Nganunu stationed at Manyame District expressed concern over the rate of stock theft.
“In Mubaira the rate is high. We are facing challenges in that some community members are refusing to co-operate with us,” said Officer Nganunu.
He said statistics from January to November 2011 was low compared to this year.
“60 were stolen and 19 were recovered. As for this year 77 beasts were again stolen 11 were recovered alive,” he said.
He said of the stolen cows some were being killed.
“Sometimes we only recover the skin and offals, last week four beasts were stolen and slaughtered here in Mashayamombe,”said Officer Nganunu.
He urged the villagers to build their kraals near homesteads for security reasons.
“There are accomplices here in our midst who co-ordinate with the thieves.
“Some of the beast are being attacked in their kraals and in grazing grounds and the selection of the beast really shows us that it is a planned thing,” he said.
Corruption within the execution of justice was another hallmark dragging back bringing the offenders to book.
“Last year we launched a program for branding our beast but the process is taking ages. This has fuelled the crime because we are failing to recognise some of the beast even in our database.
“So we really urge all the villagers to take the matter seriously since it benefits us in making a police report and recovering our livestock,” he said. He urged the community to apply for personalised brand certificates.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event Officer Nganunu said they were not going to take the issue of violence lightly.
“We are not going sit back and relax as we approach the general elections next year.
“There is need for co-operation and respect of one another,” he urged. Chief Mashayamombe expressed concern over the inhuman activity taking place in his place.
“Kubiwa kurikuitwa mombe kushaya hunhu(it is inhuman). All those who are syndicates should be brought to book and I will not rest until the beast which was stolen recently is compensated,” said Chief Mashayamombe.
He further encouraged peace and security to prevail in the community.
Manyame District covers Nyabira, Darwndale, Norton, Sarure (Halfway) Mubaira.
Online Reporter