Chronicle Editor
Raymond Jaravaza [email protected]
THREE suspected cattle rustlers were arrested on Wednesday while trying to sell 11 beasts at the Cold Storage Commission (CSC) in Bulawayo.
The cattle are believed to have been stolen from neighbouring Botswana as they do not bear local livestock brand marks.
The suspects are Trust Mpofu (37) of the Nkulumane suburb, Prince Dube (40) of John West village under Chief Marupi and 31-year-old Mthuthukisi Msizi of the Pumula North suburb.
They were busted after alert CSC officials, working hand in hand with police stationed at the abattoir observed that the suspects were using forged documents to sell the beasts.
They are set to appear in court today.
Mr Beit Tonderai Rinashe, CSC’s operations and production co-ordinator said one of the beats died upon arrival at the abattoir.
“Initially there were 12 cattle but one died on arrival at CSC. We slaughtered it and donated the meat to the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, where it will be fed to crocodiles,” said Mr Rinashe.
The truck used to transport the stolen animals was impounded and held at the Donnington Police Station.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi is yet to comment on the cross-border cattle rustling case.
More to follow
Online Reporter