By Dumisani Ndlovu
Police here recently busted two cattle rustling syndicates which were terrorising villagers, recovering 43 beasts in the process.
Police confirmed the incident, saying they have arrested four suspects in connection with the crimes. The arrests were made on 8 and 9 May 2024 by Nehanda and Zhombe Police Stations, respectively.
Midlands Police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the the Gweru syndicate suspects, Vhelaphi Mazwi aged 34, Handsome Sibanda (28) of Raylands Park, Gweru and Nqobile DUBE (38) of Woodlands Phase 1, Gweru appeared at Gweru Magistrate court and were remanded in custody to 21 May 2024.
Inspector Mahoko said for the Zhombe suspects police managed to arrest Melusi Ndlovu (21) of Village Mlelwa under Chief Malisa, who was in police custody awaiting trial.
“Efforts are underway to account for three outstanding suspects in the Nehanda cases, currently only known as Chopper, Sama Du and Thembani”
“One suspect could not be arrested in Zhombe and police is looking for him. He is Abraham Ndlovu (24) of Village Mlelwa under Chief Malisa in Zhombe,”Inspector Mahoko said.
He said in the first arrest, allegations are that on 7 May 2024, ZRP Nehanda acted on information obtained to the effect that some men had been seen at Woodlands phase 1 Shopping Centre selling meat in buckets suspected to have been stolen.
“A white Honda Fit motor vehicle had transported a beef carcass loaded in four sacks from one Handsome Sibanda’s residence in Raylands to Paul Makosa’s residence in Mkoba suburb on 3 May 2024. Part of the carcass was handed over to Tatenda Tagwireyi who owns a butchery at Mkoba 18 business centre,”said Insp. Mahoko.
He said that as Officers from ZRP Nehanda netted the suspects, they also re-visited some scenes where stolen beasts were slaughtered.
Mahoko said some pieces of wires used to trap cattle and some dried meat were recovered.
It was established that in their errands, the suspects sold meat in Woodlands High density suburb, Gweru.
“For the Zhombe arrests, one complainant Frank Nevheya(50) of Golela village in ZRP Manoti area, Gokwe in a case of stocktheft which occurred on 03 September 2022, involving six cattle, found information on 8 May 2024 to the effect that his cattle were at Farm number 20 Chemagora area. He informed ZRP Zhombe and investigations were instigated by visiting the farm. A herd of 43 cattle was found at suspects Melusi and Abraham Ndlovu’s kraal. Out of the 43 cattle, complainant positively identified his stolen three cows which had three calves,”he said.
Insp. Mahoko added that “Police immediately arrested Melusi Ndlovu while Abraham Ndlovu escaped. It was further established that the remaining 37 cattle were also stolen from surrounding areas of Zhombe and Gokwe on different occasions,”.
He said all the recovered 43 cattle were taken to ZRP Zhombe and 37 are waiting for positive identification by their respective owners. Melusi Ndlovu is being held in Police custody as investigations continue. Total value stolen is yet to be ascertained.
“We applaud members of the public for their contribution in the investigation and detection of these two cattle rustling syndicates. We continue to appeal for your valuable support in our efforts to protect the national head,” said insp. Mahoko.
