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The Rhodesia Herald,
25 July 1930
ON Saturday, the usual monthly meeting of the Gatooma Farmers Association was held at Speck’s Hotel, Mr C. M. Davenport presiding.

Mr J. Dalton presented the report of the sub-committee on stock thefts, which consisted of Dalton and Colonel Smith, who had been in consultation with Captain Rochester, BSAP (British South Africa Police).

The sub-committee made a number of recommendations which were discussed and finally adopted with some minor alterations.

In presenting the report, Dalton spoke of the need to take action to prevent stock theft.

He mentioned that recently, a valuable pure-bred heifer from the King’s herd had arrived at Gatooma but broke away as it was being unloaded.

Although the neighbourhood was fenced and a £20 reward was offered, the animal had not been found.

The sub-committee was of the opinion that, of the cattle reported lost, the greater number were stolen.

The recommendations as finally approved were that abattoirs should be established in populous centres and that all slaughter poles in the districts should be registered.

Butchers and buyers of stock should keep a record of all cattle bought by them and slaughtered, including the name of the seller, the price, description and brand, the record to the inspection of the police.

Pound masters should send to the police immediately, descriptions of all animals in their pounds on a printed form to be supplied.

That the Pounds and Trespasses Ordinance be amended to secure wider responsibility, possibly by the inclusion of the liability of managers where there were no owners resident. Herdboys were to be compelled to report the presence of stray stock.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

Livestock farming is a major element in Zimbabwe’s agricultural industry, and has the potential to boost the country’s economy through meat, leather and milk exports.

The management of livestock is governed by an Act of Parliament and in 2004, the Zimbabwe Republic Police established an Anti-Stock Theft Unit after realising the increase in stock theft, and the need to build the national herd.

According to information on the ZRP’s website, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit was formed “in line with Government’s policy of reviving the economy.”

The website goes on to say that “historically, livestock have been the source of African men’s pride. Cattle are a symbol of wealth, they provide draught power, as well as generate the much needed foreign currency through beef exports.”

Stock theft is one of the major crimes. Despite deterrent sentence meted by the courts, the 1930 recommendations by the livestock farmers in Kadoma should be revisited:

1. Abattoirs should be established in populous centres;
2. Slaughter houses in every district should be registered;
3. Butchers and buyers of stock must keep a record of all cattle bought by them and slaughtered, including the name of the seller, price, description of brand.