Chronicle Editor
Lingani Nyika in Gutu, [email protected]
POLICE have urged traditional leaders to be at the forefront of the anti-stock theft campaign by creating committees at the village level to help protect the national herd.
Cases of stock theft are rampant across Zimbabwe with rustlers hitting hardest farmers in border areas where they work with cross-border syndicates to steal livestock.
Between 5 000 and 10 000 cases of livestock theft are reported each year in the country according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Anti-Stock Theft Unit.
The unit has over the years intensified its campaigns, deployments and community-based initiatives to fight animal theft, which is causing huge losses to farmers and high levels of anxiety in communities that have built their flock over the years.
Speaking during an anti-stock theft campaign in Gutu on Tuesday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said there is need for police and communities to work together to curb stock theft.
“Community collaboration with police is crucial to combat stock theft, and as police, we recommend scheduling monthly or bi-monthly meetings with traditional leaders and villagers to ensure open communication and proactive discussion on stock theft and other related issues,” he said.
“During dry spells or periods of low rainfall, it is crucial to closely supervise cattle to prevent theft and deboning while grazing. Local authorities should work closely together with chiefs for peace and security.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said moving cattle at night is prohibited and urged village watch committees to apprehend suspected cattle rustlers and hand them over to the police.
“It is prohibited to transport cattle during the night for sale or slaughter and when transporting stock, it is imperative to identify the owner and destination of any transported cattle,” he said.
“Villagers are expected to co-operate in protecting each other’s property and village committees have the authority to detain suspects and notify the police. However, they are not permitted to engage in physical intimidation.”
ZRP established an Anti-stock Theft Unit in November 2004, after realising that there was a need to safeguard livestock and build the national herd.
Statistics indicate that in 2023, stock theft cases increased by four percent compared to the previous year, with cattle thefts specifically rising by 11 percent. However, there was a significant decrease in goat and bird thefts, with a 14 percent and 24 percent reduction respectively.
Police apprehended 299 suspects including those involved in deboning incidents in Gutu and Chatsworth. Additionally, 2 550 individuals were arrested for other stock theft-related offences, with assistance from the public.
Government has set an ambitious target of growing the national herd by 100 percent from the current 5,6 to 11 million by the year 2030, as various initiatives to revitalise the cattle industry bear fruit.
The Second Republic facilitated and private sector-driven interventions over the past five years, which have resulted in a 26 percent increase in cattle herd from 4,4 million in 2019 to 5,6 million in 2020.
To achieve its 11 million cattle target by 2030, Government, in collaboration with development partners is improving the national breeds. This will ensure that the country has enough meat while ensuring that there is quality breeding as well.
Livestock production plays an important role in the social, cultural and economic environment of Zimbabwe.
Asst Comm Nyathi said butcheries should be wary of thieves who sell them meat unlawfully.
He said there is a need for buyers to acquire proper documentation.
“The necessary paperwork, including the cattle’s provenance, must be kept on file by butchers for all purchased, sold, and slaughtered animals. Transparency is essential in butcheries to prevent the sale of unhealthy meat, a problem that has been reported in certain areas of Harare,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said police and veterinary services are expected to secure a safe and healthy environment for the public.
“The veterinary department and the police should conduct regular inspections in butcheries to ensure compliance by users. Untested meat can be hazardous to people’s health. In the event of an unhealthy cattle dying, it should be incinerated for safety purposes,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said the prevailing drug abuse has adversely affected youth behaviours and contributes to the scourge of stock theft.
“We urge traditional leaders and stakeholders to enhance awareness about illicit drug and substance abuse as it contributes to stock theft. We encourage the public to report drug dealers and users to the police because this has a destructive impact on the future of the young generation,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
In an interview, a local headman, Mr Jonathan Makumbe said the national awareness campaign should help curb stock theft.
“Livestock theft and deboning cases have been increasing in this area, but we have confidence that these campaigns are significant in the security of cattle and other livestock,” he said.
The campaign was launched in February to raise awareness about stock theft, encourage people to report any suspicious or illegal activities related to beef sales and collaborate with the police and village committees to combat the issue.
The operation has already been implemented in other provinces which include Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West and Central provinces.–@NyikaLingani
Online Reporter