Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE proliferation of beef being sold for as little as US$2 per kilogramme in parts of Mutare has sparked serious concern, amid fears that uninspected and potentially contaminated meat is finding its way onto consumers’ tables.
A check by The Manica Post revealed that several butcheries, including some operating from backyard premises in Sakubva, Dangamvura and Chikanga, are selling beef at prices significantly below prevailing market rates.
The unusually cheap meat has raised questions over its source and whether it has undergone the mandatory veterinary inspections required to safeguard public health.
Investigations indicate that some suppliers are allegedly sourcing meat from unapproved slaughter points and transporting it without the necessary clearance documentation.
In some instances, the meat is reportedly not weighed using standard scales. Instead, traders simply pack beef into paper bags and sell each package for a flat US$10, a practice that bypasses normal inspection and trading procedures.
Police have confirmed receiving reports concerning the sale of suspiciously cheap beef in Mutare.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said authorities are investigating reports that some of the meat may be originating from illegal slaughter points and moving through informal supply chains.
“Police in Manicaland have received reports about cheap beef on the market in some areas in Mutare, particularly where such meat may be originating from unapproved slaughtering points or being transported without the requisite documentation and clearance,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka stressed that the issue extends far beyond the low price of the meat.
“The public should understand that the issue is not simply about the price of beef.
“It is about the source, ownership, inspection, transportation and safety of the meat being offered for sale. Meat which has not gone through the prescribed inspection and public health processes may expose consumers to serious health risks,” he said.
He added that police are working closely with the Department of Veterinary Services, local authorities and other Government agencies to curb the illegal slaughter, transportation and sale of livestock and meat products.
“The police in Manicaland Province are working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Veterinary Services, local authorities and other responsible Government agencies, to intensify measures aimed at detecting and dealing with the illegal movement, slaughter and sale of livestock and meat products,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The warning comes amid a series of recent arrests linked to livestock and meat-related offences across the province.
Police recently intercepted 14 cattle being moved without clearance in Nyamaropa, while other cases involved the recovery of seven uninspected carcasses in Zimunya and additional carcasses in the Marange area.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the arrests demonstrate law enforcement’s determination to clamp down on illegal meat operations and stock theft syndicates.
He urged residents to exercise caution when buying unusually cheap meat and to verify that products are being sold through legitimate and inspected channels.
Police, he said, will continue conducting roadblock checks, inspections and intelligence-led operations targeting the unlawful transportation of livestock and carcasses.
Where investigations point to stock theft, illegal slaughtering or unlawful possession of meat products, offenders will be arrested and prosecuted.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka also warned butcheries, meat traders and transporters against participating in illicit deals.
“They should not become conduits for stolen livestock or uninspected meat,” he said.
He appealed to members of the public to report suspicious slaughtering activities, the movement of carcasses, suspected stock theft or individuals supplying meat from questionable sources to the nearest police station.
“We further appeal to members of the public to provide police with information concerning suspicious slaughtering activities, the movement of carcasses, suspected stock theft and persons supplying meat from questionable sources, to any nearest police station or ZRP Manicaland Province Whatsapp number +26371 8188672,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Mutare City Council spokesperson Mr Charles Sadondo were unsuccessful by the time of going to print.
