Mugabe's AU donation cattle up for sale

Over 300 cattle donated to the African Union (AU) by President Robert Mugabe to capacitate the continental body are up for sale.

The cattle are being kept at various centres in the rural provinces and the committee responsible for their auction is expecting to raise about US$150 000.

Businessman and politician, Mr Jimaya Muduvuri, who is coordinating the cattle sale, said his team had began the process of selling the cattle after a prospective buyer had expressed interest to snap up all the 300 strong herd but had to suspend the process temporarily pending further consultations following a stand-off over the price of the live mass.

The prospective buyer, Mr Mike Vallaro said the deal remains open for further negotiations, adding that his offer of between US$1,20 and US$1,30 per kg of live mass is in tandem with the market value.

Mr Muduvuri and his team, which includes Makonde legislator, Kindness Paradza were at Vuka farm near Karoi, alongside Mr Vallaro where the first sale was expected to be effected before pricing issues stalled the deal.

Some 60 of the 300 cattle are being kept at Vuka farm.