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Security guard goes on goat stealing spree
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A security guard who turned livestock theft into a full-time enterprise has been sentenced to eight years in jail after preying on villagers' goats for several months.
Charles Munayi (38) of Makotopeya Village in Chipinge was convicted on five counts of stock theft when he appeared at the Chipinge Magistrates' Court.
Between December 2024 and August 2025, Munayi, who worked as a security guard at Real Star, stole 14 goats in five separate incidents. None of the stolen animals were recovered.
According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), his victims included villagers aged between 27 and 78. Losses amounted to US$470. In each case, Munayi broke into goat pens under the cover of night, slaughtered the animals in nearby bushes, and passed the meat to his accomplice, Biggie Jamu, who sold it to vendors, restaurants, and individuals.
Police intercepted Jamu on August 31 with a bucket of goat meat, leading to Munayi's arrest.
He was sentenced to 24 months in jail on Counts 1, 2, 3, and 5, and 18 months on Count 4. Portions of the sentences were suspended on condition of restitution, leaving him with an effective eight years' imprisonment.
The NPAZ welcomed the conviction, stressing that stock theft continues to undermine rural livelihoods. "This sentence sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated," it said.
Charles Munayi (38) of Makotopeya Village in Chipinge was convicted on five counts of stock theft when he appeared at the Chipinge Magistrates' Court.
Between December 2024 and August 2025, Munayi, who worked as a security guard at Real Star, stole 14 goats in five separate incidents. None of the stolen animals were recovered.
According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), his victims included villagers aged between 27 and 78. Losses amounted to US$470. In each case, Munayi broke into goat pens under the cover of night, slaughtered the animals in nearby bushes, and passed the meat to his accomplice, Biggie Jamu, who sold it to vendors, restaurants, and individuals.
Police intercepted Jamu on August 31 with a bucket of goat meat, leading to Munayi's arrest.
He was sentenced to 24 months in jail on Counts 1, 2, 3, and 5, and 18 months on Count 4. Portions of the sentences were suspended on condition of restitution, leaving him with an effective eight years' imprisonment.
The NPAZ welcomed the conviction, stressing that stock theft continues to undermine rural livelihoods. "This sentence sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated," it said.
Source - online
