US$60k worth of cattle ‘missing’

Simba Jemwa, Sunday News Correspondent
MATABELELAND South police are investigating reports that 95 cattle worth US$60 000 went “missing” from CSC Dubani Ranch in Collen Bawn.

In a statement, national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the beasts went missing between April and November this year and nothing has been recovered.

“Police are investigating a case of stock theft which occurred between April 26 and November 21 this year at CSC Dubani Ranch in Colleen Bawn. 95 branded cattle comprising 45 cows, 35 heifers and 15 steers are missing,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

The police also revealed that all the cattle were branded “T1 R1 K3”.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police are appealing for information that may lead to the recovery of the cattle or the arrest of the rustlers who stole them.

Cattle rustling is considered a major crime and in Zimbabwe  attracts a  mandatory sentence of nine years.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have an Anti-stock Theft Unit that was established in 2004, after realising that there was a need to build the national herd in line with Government’s policy of reviving the national economy.

Historically, livestock have been the source of an African man’s pride. Cattle are a symbol of wealth; they provide draught power as well as generate the much-needed foreign currency through beef exports. – @RealSimbaJemwa.