Farmers contributing to stock theft, says police

Stock theft cases are on the rise in Manicaland Province, largely due to failure by some farmers and villagers to brand cattle and report incidents promptly, a senior police official has said.

The Officer Commanding Manicaland, Commissioner Charles Nhete, made the remarks during a crime awareness campaign held at Chabata High School in Buhera South last Friday.

The campaign was organised by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in partnership with Chief Chamutsa, and was attended by village heads, headmen, Government officials and members of the public.

Commissioner Nhete said livestock owners have a responsibility to ensure cattle are properly branded, secured and accounted for, warning that failure to do so was creating opportunities for criminals.

"Stock theft cases are on the increase because cattle are being left to graze unattended and are not being penned for accountability purposes and securing them. Cattle are not being branded and this gives an opportunity to criminals to move stolen livestock using fake documents," he said.

He added that the involvement of traditional leaders remained a critical component in combating stock theft, gender-based violence and drug and substance abuse at community level.

"The engagement of traditional leaders in the fight against GBV, stock theft and drug and substance abuse remains an effective and valuable strategy in maintaining law and order within communities," he said.

Commissioner Nhete also raised concern over rising cases of sexual abuse and domestic violence, urging communities to report incidents to police timeously to ensure victims receive medical attention and support.

"We urge communities to report as soon as possible to police if anyone is sexually abused. This will enable them to receive medication that will prevent unwanted pregnancies as well as contracting sexually transmitted diseases," he said.

Chief Chamutsa praised the police for engaging communities through awareness campaigns and called for the establishment of a police base at Chabata Business Centre to improve response times and enhance security in the area.

The campaign forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities and community leaders to strengthen crime prevention strategies and improve public safety in rural communities across the province.