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Crime Reporter

Almost 3 800 cattle have been stolen countrywide this year while 336 suspects were arrested on stock theft charges, police say.

According to police statistics, between January and June this year , 3 214 stock theft cases were recorded as compared to 4 053 cases reported during this period last year.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police will continue to arrest anyone involved in stock theft.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds the public for providing vital crime information which goes a long way in fighting stock theft cases throughout the country. 

“During the period extending from January to June 2022, the Police received a total of 3 214 stock theft cases compared to 4 053 cases during the same period in the year 2021. 

“So far, the Police has recorded 1644 cases of stock theft involving cattle only compared to 2 510 cases recorded in year 2021,” he said. 

Asst Comm Nyathi said the total number of stolen cattle decreased from 5 954 in 2021 to 3 762 this year. 

Meanwhile, 1 073 cattle have so far been recovered this year compared to 1 054 in 2021. 

“During the same period this year, Police managed to arrest a total of 336 suspects for stock theft involving cattle compared to 398 arrests in the year 2021,” he said. 

He said despite the decrease in stocktheft, the current figures of livestock being stolen are still high hence the need for continued cooperation between the police and community.

“The public is advised to account for livestock at grazing areas on a daily basis. 

“Cattle owners are encouraged to vet employees and report all stock theft cases early. 

“On the other hand, livestock buyers are advised to adhere to proper livestock clearance procedures that involve use of ZRP livestock clearance certificate form 392 and veterinary animal movement permits,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Police intend to work with the community through anti-stock theft liaison committees to increase cooperation between police and community in the fight against stock theft. 

“Branding and ear tagging of livestock to improve traceability and identification will help track down stolen cattle and following the regulations governing the livestock and meat industries should dry up the market for stolen cattle.

 “Criminal syndicates and individuals involved in stocktheft are warned that stock theft cases carry a mandatory sentence of nine years to 25 years imprisonment,” he said.

 In Madziva, Mashonaland Central, a suspect was convicted and sentenced to 27 years imprisonment for stock theft . 

In another case in Matabeleland North, a suspect was convicted and sentenced to nine years. 

Asst Comm Nyathi said the police noted that in some instances criminals are preying on livestock held in pens during the night. 

“The stolen livestock would then be slaughtered before the meat finds its way to illegal meat outlets and butcheries.

“ The public is advised to report to the Police, suspicious people selling meat at illegal market outlets. 

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns all perpetrators of stocktheft that they risk being arrested and the law will take its course,” Asst Comm Nyathi said. 

Anyone with information concerning criminal syndicates or individuals involved in stocktheft has been urged to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800 107 or report at any nearest Police Station.