Police bust cattle rustling syndicate
Emmanuel Mahoko said police were acting on a tip-off when they got to the farm in the Chemagora area.
“One complainant, Frank Nevheya (50) of Village Golela in Gokwe lost six cattle and found information that they were kept at Farm 20 Chemagora area. He informed police in Zhombe and they quickly reacted to the information,” said Insp Mahoko.
On 9 May, police besieged the farm and discovered 43 cattle in the suspects’ homestead kraal that they failed to account for.
“Out of the 43 cattle, the complainant positively identified his stolen beasts. Police immediately arrested Melusi while Abraham escaped,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said according to investigations, the remaining 37 cattle were also stolen from Gokwe, Zhombe and surrounding areas on different occasions.
“All the 43 recovered cattle were taken to Zhombe Police Station and 37 are waiting for positive identification by their owners,” he said.
In a related case, police arrested three suspects who were allegedly selling meat to butcheries in Gweru suburbs.
Velaphi Mazwi (34), Handsome Sibanda (28) and Nqobile Dube (38) were arrested at Woodlands Shopping Centre where they were delivering beef to a butchery.
“On 7 May 2024, members of the public spotted a white Honda Fit transporting a beef carcass loaded in sacks to Paul Makosa’s house in Mkoba. Following a tip-off, police made investigations which led to the arrest of the three suspects at Woodlands Shopping Centre while offloading the meat,” said Insp Mahoko.
After the arrests, police were led to some places where the trio slaughtered the beasts while pieces of wire used to trap the cattle and some dried meat were also recovered.
The trio has since appeared before a Gweru Court and were remanded in custody to 21 May.
Police applauded members of the public for supplying valuable information.
“We applaud members of the public for their contribution to the investigation and detection of these two cattle rustlers.
“We continue to appeal for your valuable support in our efforts to protect the national herd,” said Insp Mahoko.