Police recover 22 stolen cattle

Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter

POLICE have recovered 22 cattle and 17 Boer cross-breed goats stolen in separate incidents in the Masvingo and Beatrice area as the crackdown against rustlers continues countrywide.

The cattle were recovered in Chikombedzi and 16 of the 17 goats in the Beatrice area. Five suspects have since been arrested in connection with the cases.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.

“On 17 September 2026 at about 0410 hours, members of the ZRP Support Unit who were on a motorised patrol in Chikombedzi, Masvingo, acted on received information and arrested Reason Chitemela, aged 46, and Collin Mbirimi, aged 52, for stock theft.

“The suspects were travelling in a 30-tonne Koala truck and were intercepted in Malipati. The arrest led to the recovery of 22 stolen cattle,” he said.

Meanwhile, a farmer in the Beatrice area last week lost about 17 Boer cross-breed goats to thieves who raided his plot. Three suspects have since been arrested in connection with the case.

“Police in Beatrice arrested three suspects, Enerst Majoni (38), Tawana Matawu (18) and Starlin Chari (31), in connection with a case of stock theft which occurred on 10 September 2026. The arrest led to the recovery of 17 Boer cross-breed goats.

“Police recovered 16 of the goats after the suspects were found driving them through bushes approximately 10km from the complainant’s plot. Investigations subsequently led to the recovery of another goat at one of the suspects’ homesteads,” Comm Nyathi said.

Recently, police intensified a crackdown on stock theft following a slight increase in such cases countrywide.

According to police, they will be conducting stop-and-search operations at all roadblocks countrywide targeting stock theft and the illegal selling of meat.

“The operation is aimed at enforcing strict compliance with legal provisions relating to the illegal selling of meat, as well as the ownership, movement, slaughter and disposal of livestock, including cattle, goats and sheep,” Comm Nyathi said.

Police have noted with concern reports of stock theft, particularly involving cattle and goats, in which criminal syndicates steal livestock from farms and rural areas before slaughtering the animals and transporting the carcasses to towns, cities and growth points where there is a ready market.

“Investigations have revealed that the stolen meat is often packed in buckets and other containers before being transported in the boots of vehicles or other compartments to various market points. The meat is then sold along streets, in open spaces, in front of supermarkets, at backyard kitchens, informal markets, residential areas, business centres and directly from vehicle boots.”

He said police have further noted that some butcheries, food outlets and even established supermarkets are contributing to this illegal trade by purchasing meat from unverified and illegal suppliers.

“The public is advised that all movement of livestock from one place to another must be supported by valid veterinary permits and properly issued stock clearance certificates obtained from the police. This applies to cattle, donkeys, goats and sheep. All livestock must be physically inspected by veterinary officials and police before clearance is issued, in order to verify ownership and prevent the movement of stolen stock,” he said.

Butchery operators are required by law to maintain proper registers reflecting the source of meat, including supplier details and proof of lawful acquisition. Failure to comply, or knowingly acquiring meat from criminal syndicates, will result in arrest and prosecution.

Abattoirs must ensure that all livestock presented for slaughter is accompanied by valid police clearance and veterinary certificates.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report any suspicious movement of livestock or illegal meat sales through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or at any nearest police station.

Source: Police recover 22 stolen cattle – herald

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