Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
VILLAGERS in Matobo, laid an ambush to dramatically arrest a suspected rustler from Bulawayo who had allegedly slaughtered a cow and stashed the meat in sacks.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said Mkhululi Mpofu (43) of Nketa 9, was arrested on 11 July 2026 after members of the public laid an ambush and caught him allegedly attempting to collect sacks containing meat.
Inspector Msebele said the incident occurred after a 39-year-old Matobo resident discovered that some of his cattle were missing from the kraal when he checked his livestock at around 6am.
“On 11 July 2026, members of the public arrested Mkhululi Mpofu, a male adult aged 43 of Nketa 9, Bulawayo, for stock theft which occurred in Matobo,” said Inspector Msebele.
She said the farmer noticed that the tail of one of his cows had been cut off, with a trail of blood leading away from the cattle pen towards Bellevue.
“The complainant and his brother tracked the spoor and blood stains leading to a bushy area in Newton West, Bulawayo. They saw two peach-coloured 20kg sacks hidden beside the road and upon checking the contents, discovered that the sacks contained meat,” she said.
Inspector Msebele said the two men then decided to monitor the area while waiting for whoever had hidden the sacks to return.
“The two men laid an ambush while monitoring the area, waiting for whoever would return to collect the sacks. They later apprehended the accused person as he returned to collect the meat and immediately reported the matter to the police,” she said.
Police attended the scene and recovered four peach-coloured 20kg sacks filled with meat, a brown cow hide with the tail and intestines, a cow head and three hooves.
Investigations revealed that one of the cattle had escaped after the suspect allegedly cut off its tail, which was also recovered at the scene.
The stolen stock is valued at approximately US$1 000.
Inspector Msebele urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving livestock.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue working closely with the police by reporting suspicious activities, the movement or sale of suspected stolen livestock or meat, and anyone dealing in livestock without proper documentation,” she said.
She warned criminals that Bulawayo would not become a safe haven for stolen property.
“Criminals should not regard Bulawayo as a safe haven or a ready market for stolen property. Even if a crime is committed outside Bulawayo and perpetrators flee to Bulawayo to dispose of stolen property, police investigations will trace, identify and eventually arrest them,” said Inspector Msebele.
