Online ReporterPeter Matika, Sunday News Reporter
IN a dramatic midnight escape, three unidentified men, believed to be part of a cattle rustling syndicate, fled on foot, abandoning a vehicle loaded with two carcasses in Bulawayo’s city centre early Friday morning.
The suspects vanished into the darkness near Amakhosi Theatre after their silver Honda Fit developed a flat tyre, abruptly halting their illegal operation.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incident, which occurred around 1am along Masotsha Avenue near the Amakhosi garage.
“Police officers on patrol noticed a silver Honda Fit with a burst tyre and became suspicious of its occupants. Upon intercepting the vehicle, three adult males bolted from the car and disappeared into a bushy area behind a nearby service station,” she said.
Assist Insp Msebele said that when police approached and searched the abandoned vehicle, they discovered two cattle carcasses concealed beneath black polythene plastic.
The car was subsequently impounded for further investigation.
“Preliminary inquiries revealed that the vehicle is registered to a resident of Queens Park suburb in Bulawayo. However, when questioned, the individual informed police that he had sold the vehicle. Investigations are ongoing to locate its current owner,” she added.
She urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in arresting the suspects.
“We appeal to anyone who may know the suspects or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area to contact ZRP Mzilikazi on 0292-274439/277619 or report to the nearest police station,” she said.
Asst Insp Msebele also warned residents against buying meat from unlicensed vendors, especially those selling from private homes.
“Purchasing uninspected meat is not only illegal but poses serious health risks. Communities must remain vigilant and refrain from supporting criminal activities,” she cautioned.
Cattle rustling continues to be a widespread problem across Zimbabwe, particularly in rural provinces such as Matabeleland, Midlands, and Masvingo, where livestock is a key source of livelihood. Syndicates often target communal farmers, stealing cattle under the cover of darkness and using urban centres as distribution hubs for uninspected meat.
Authorities believe criminal networks are exploiting informal meat markets in cities like Bulawayo, where stolen livestock is slaughtered and sold without any form of veterinary inspection.
