Matobo villagers demand action on stock theft, policing and healthcare

MATOBO - Villagers in Matobo have called for urgent government intervention to tackle stock theft, improve policing and expand healthcare infrastructure during the 2027 National Budget public hearings held at Pagati Primary School and Antelope Mine.

The consultations, which form part of Parliament's nationwide 2027 Budget outreach programme running from October 5 to 9, attracted residents from Ward 23 and neighbouring communities who outlined their development priorities and concerns.

The hearing at Pagati Primary School was chaired by Entumbane-Njube legislator Prince Dube, who led a delegation from Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion. The team included Zimbabwe Women's Parliamentary Caucus chairperson and Midlands Senator Maybe Mbowa, Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole and Dangamvura MP Prosper Mutseyami.

Stock theft emerged as one of the dominant issues raised by residents, who said persistent cattle theft was threatening livelihoods in a district heavily dependent on livestock production.

"Our residents no longer wish to keep cattle. Everyone plans to sell all of them because they are being stolen almost every day, in broad daylight and at night," one villager told the hearing.

Residents urged Government to allocate resources specifically towards livestock security, including strengthening anti-stock theft measures and increasing police presence in rural areas.

Villagers also called for the construction of additional police stations and the provision of vehicles for officers serving remote communities to improve response times and visibility.

Healthcare was another key issue raised during the budget consultations, with residents calling for increased funding towards rural clinics and health facilities.

Community members said many residents continue to travel long distances to access healthcare, making the establishment and upgrading of clinics a priority.

Participants also highlighted the importance of the informal sector, describing it as a critical source of income and economic activity.

"The informal sector is our real industry today," residents said, while appealing for improved infrastructure and support for small businesses and informal traders.

Mining activities in the district were also discussed, with villagers calling for the formal registration and regulation of mines operating in Matobo to ensure greater accountability and community benefits.

The public hearings are being conducted as part of Parliament's constitutional mandate to facilitate public participation in governance and the formulation of national policies.

Submissions made during the consultations will be considered as Parliament processes the 2027 National Budget.

For Matobo residents, the hearings provided an opportunity to place livestock security, policing, healthcare, mining regulation and informal sector development at the centre of national budget discussions.