Stocktheft in Beitbridge declines

Stocktheft in Beitbridge and the surrounding areas has declined with a margin of 20 percent this year, police have said.

Anti-stock theft campaigns involving the police and community, which led to the arrest of a syndicate of cattle rustlers, police said, contributed to the reduction of the stock theft in the area.

Cases of stocktheft had become a cause for concern especially in Shanyaugwe area, which borders Beitbridge and Gwanda districts.

Two cattle rustlers, Reason Nkomo and Smart Mukwena have since been jailed for 18 and 38 years respectively while police continue to arrest more members of the syndicate weekly.

The police officer in charge of Zezani area, Inspector Farai Mativenga, said the arrests of the duo had helped police clear many cases of cattle rustling in the area and sent a strong message to other criminals yet to be arrested.

"We have recorded a 20 percent decline in cases of stockthefts this year. This follows the intensification of anti stock thefts campaigns and also the improvement in community and police working relationships.

"We have come together with the community in creating crime committees which is proving to be effective.

"A unity of purpose among the concerned stakeholders has paid dividend in the fight against rustling," said Insp Mativenga.

"Furthermore we have arrested most of the notorious criminals from Shanyaugwe area, and these have been convicted and are now serving time in jail."

Insp Mativenga said they had set up a police base at Shanyaugwe where cattle rustling had become rampant.