News / Regional
Matshetsheni villagers released on bail
03 Jun 2016 at 16:48hrs | Views
The 10 Matshetsheni Villagers who were arrested on allegations of burning 3 homesteads belonging to notorious cattle rustlers who had caused massive loss of economic survival and livelihoods to the people of Matshetsheni area under Chief Masuku, have been released on bail pending a court hearing in mid-June.
The Matshetsheni villagers decided to burn the cattle rustlers' homesteads on Wednesday 01 June 2016 in protest to gross impunity and organized criminal activities of cattle rustlers resettled at Insindi resettlement scheme.
The villagers who spoke to Matabeleland Solidarity Forum revealed that all efforts to use the legal mechanisms of stopping the massive and organized cattle rustling syndicate failed as these rustlers were conniving with the law enforcement officers. This is the major reason that forced more than 200 villagers to burn these rustlers' homesteads in broad daylight on the 1st of June.
Community leaders also concurred with the villagers and said whilst they do not support violent behaviour, the villagers were being left with no choice as cattle were vanishing daily and the known rustlers were not being apprehended. One traditional leader disputed that the villagers' behaviour was criminal and said they were simple defending their own rights and economic livelihood at the face of organized cattle rustling mafia dealing with the law enforcement system.
Meanwhile, the police announced in the Chronicle today (friday 03 June 2016) that they have launched a manhunt for the leader of the cattle rustling syndicate. Matabeleland Solidarity Forum notes with concern that the police are taking action when the villagers have finally taken issues into their hands. Why were the police quite and silent all along? Why were they not hunting for this person or arresting him all along?
As Matabeleland Solidarity Forum we stand resolutely in support of all the democratic and peaceful actions and efforts of the people Of Matabeleland to defend their rights and freedoms as well as to foster their development. We also continue to support the democratic and peaceful methods being employed by the people of Matabeleland to get their voice heard.
The Matshetsheni villagers decided to burn the cattle rustlers' homesteads on Wednesday 01 June 2016 in protest to gross impunity and organized criminal activities of cattle rustlers resettled at Insindi resettlement scheme.
The villagers who spoke to Matabeleland Solidarity Forum revealed that all efforts to use the legal mechanisms of stopping the massive and organized cattle rustling syndicate failed as these rustlers were conniving with the law enforcement officers. This is the major reason that forced more than 200 villagers to burn these rustlers' homesteads in broad daylight on the 1st of June.
Meanwhile, the police announced in the Chronicle today (friday 03 June 2016) that they have launched a manhunt for the leader of the cattle rustling syndicate. Matabeleland Solidarity Forum notes with concern that the police are taking action when the villagers have finally taken issues into their hands. Why were the police quite and silent all along? Why were they not hunting for this person or arresting him all along?
As Matabeleland Solidarity Forum we stand resolutely in support of all the democratic and peaceful actions and efforts of the people Of Matabeleland to defend their rights and freedoms as well as to foster their development. We also continue to support the democratic and peaceful methods being employed by the people of Matabeleland to get their voice heard.
Source - Matabeleland Solidarity Forum
