Mathew Masinge
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
THREE Mutare cattle dealers were left counting financial losses after authorities impounded seven cattle carcasses they were transporting from the Marange communal area to Mutare without a movement permit.
The trio, Simbarashe Mwagura (32) of Mabvengwa Village, Lloyd Makanda (31) of Makunike Village and Simon Chibaya (30) of Chikanga in Mutare, did not clear the cattle with the police when they bought them.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the matter.
He said the trio violated Section 2 (1) of the Animal Health Act, Chapter 19.01, which makes it illegal to move livestock or their carcasses without a valid permit.
“On 21 August 2026 around 7.40 pm, ZRP Mutare Rural police got a tip-off to the effect that the accused persons slaughtered seven cattle at Karirwi Village under Chief Marange and loaded them into a truck intending to transport them to Mutare. Police officers proceeded to Sithole Business Centre and intercepted the truck.
“They searched the vehicle and found seven carcasses of cattle inside the loading box of the vehicle. Police asked the trio to produce the cattle documents and they failed to produce anything. Mwagura said that he purchased the cattle in the Marange area. However, he did not bother to look for a movement permit from the Veterinary Services Department.
“The accused persons, the discovered carcasses and the vehicle were taken to ZRP Mutare Rural for further management. The Veterinary Services Department was engaged and inspected the carcasses and handed them over to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Investigations discovered that the cattle were not stolen; however, the accused persons did not follow proper procedure in acquiring, slaughtering and moving the carcasses.
The accused persons were charged with moving carcasses without a permit. The carcasses were condemned by the Veterinary Services Department. Investigations are in progress.
“We would like to thank members of the public for continuing to provide tips alerting police to illegal activities within their communities,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
