admin
Patience Mutsiwi, Midlands Reporter
THE country has recorded more cases of stocktheft so far this year compared to the same period last year.
Addressing Shurugwi dairy farmers last Friday, the National Co-ordinator of the police Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza, said the Midlands province has recorded the highest number of stock theft cases in the country.
Although he did not give the number of cases recoded in the Midlands province, he provided statistics for the whole country.
“Midlands Province has recorded the highest number of stock theft cases. Nationally from January to September this year, 7 656 beasts were stolen and most of them were not recovered. This represents a three percent increase compared with last year where 6 396 beasts were stolen,” he said.
“From January up to September, 561 stocktheft suspects were arrested, all of them were convicted and sentenced to sentences ranging from nine to 36 years.”
He said nationally, police receive an average of at least 20 cases of stock theft daily, a figure they want to bring down.
Snr Asst Comm Makodza urged farmers to work with the police to reduce stock theft cases.
He said farmers should jealously guard their cattle and ensure that they do not stray to avoid road accidents.
“Communities must be enlightened on livestock security as livestock is a major source of wealth. Farmers who live close to major roads should find ways of containing their cattle through fencing or employing herdsmen to avoid accidents,” Snr Asst Comm Makodza said. – @patiemtsiwi
Online Reporter