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Stock theft rampant despite awareness campaigns
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Cases of stock theft continue to be recorded in Manicaland and surrounding areas, raising concern over the effectiveness of ongoing awareness campaigns aimed at curbing the crime.
The latest incidents come shortly after an anti-stock theft campaign held in Buhera by the Mugodhi Apostolic Church in partnership with the Victim Friendly Unit (VFU), which sought to educate communities on the dangers and legal consequences of livestock theft.
Despite these efforts, authorities say some community members remain unaware - or dismissive - of the law.
In one case, a 78-year-old woman from Hwedza lost two cattle to thieves in a night-time raid.
The complainant, Jessicah Chibvongodze of Farm Zviyambe, reported the theft to ZRP Dorowa on May 2, 2026, around 1800 hours, after discovering that her two hornless cows - one black and one brown - had been stolen from her kraal.
Police attended the scene and launched patrols in surrounding areas. Acting on a tip-off, officers tracked down one of the suspects, Chenjerai Mundiya (39) of Bhunu Village under Chief Nyashanu in Buhera, who was found in possession of one of the stolen animals.
Upon arrest, Mundiya initially claimed ownership of the cow. However, police contacted the complainant, who dispatched her domestic worker, George Chikore, to assist with identification. The animal was positively identified as belonging to Chibvongodze.
Further investigations led to the recovery of the second cow, which was found in the possession of another suspect, Joseph Ngorima (56) of Zviyambe, Hwedza. The animal was also positively identified by the complainant's representative.
Both suspects have since been arrested and investigations are ongoing.
In a separate development, police in Marange apprehended a suspected serial stock thief who had been on the wanted list.
On May 1, 2026, detectives from ZRP Marange, conducting an operation dubbed "No to Stock Theft," received information that a suspect, Justice Ndihana (34) of Marange Village under Chief Marange, had boarded a vehicle heading towards Mutare.
Police intercepted the vehicle at Bambazonge Business Centre and arrested the suspect without incident.
Manicaland acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest, stating that Ndihana is linked to at least three cases of stock theft.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as efforts to combat stock theft intensify across the province.
The latest incidents come shortly after an anti-stock theft campaign held in Buhera by the Mugodhi Apostolic Church in partnership with the Victim Friendly Unit (VFU), which sought to educate communities on the dangers and legal consequences of livestock theft.
Despite these efforts, authorities say some community members remain unaware - or dismissive - of the law.
In one case, a 78-year-old woman from Hwedza lost two cattle to thieves in a night-time raid.
The complainant, Jessicah Chibvongodze of Farm Zviyambe, reported the theft to ZRP Dorowa on May 2, 2026, around 1800 hours, after discovering that her two hornless cows - one black and one brown - had been stolen from her kraal.
Police attended the scene and launched patrols in surrounding areas. Acting on a tip-off, officers tracked down one of the suspects, Chenjerai Mundiya (39) of Bhunu Village under Chief Nyashanu in Buhera, who was found in possession of one of the stolen animals.
Upon arrest, Mundiya initially claimed ownership of the cow. However, police contacted the complainant, who dispatched her domestic worker, George Chikore, to assist with identification. The animal was positively identified as belonging to Chibvongodze.
Further investigations led to the recovery of the second cow, which was found in the possession of another suspect, Joseph Ngorima (56) of Zviyambe, Hwedza. The animal was also positively identified by the complainant's representative.
Both suspects have since been arrested and investigations are ongoing.
In a separate development, police in Marange apprehended a suspected serial stock thief who had been on the wanted list.
On May 1, 2026, detectives from ZRP Marange, conducting an operation dubbed "No to Stock Theft," received information that a suspect, Justice Ndihana (34) of Marange Village under Chief Marange, had boarded a vehicle heading towards Mutare.
Police intercepted the vehicle at Bambazonge Business Centre and arrested the suspect without incident.
Manicaland acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest, stating that Ndihana is linked to at least three cases of stock theft.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as efforts to combat stock theft intensify across the province.
Source - Midweek Watch
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