Police recover 65 cattle in Kezi

25 Jun, 2017 - 02:06 0 Views

The Sunday News

Loveness Mpofu and Clinton Moyo, Sunday News Reporters
POLICE in Kezi, Matabeleland South have recovered 65 head of cattle at Sun Yet Sen area following a massive crackdown after villagers had complained of increase in stock theft in the area.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesman Inspector Philani Ndebele confirmed that half of the cattle that were recovered have been claimed by their owners.

Kezi police public relations officer Sergeant Tawanda Shoko had on Thursday told villagers and sub-chiefs during a meeting called by Chief Nyangazonke at Ndiweni Village that villagers must check with police to help identify the recovered cattle.

“We have identified the suspect who steals cattle and his name is Khona Moyo, nicknamed Sdiki,” he said. “He lures cattle that he finds stranded in the bush to his home area.”

Sgt Shoko urged villagers to be cautious and look after their animals as some were being stolen because of negligence by owners.

He advised villagers to pen their cattle on time, especially around 5pm.

Sgt Shoko also said villagers often delay reporting crimes resulting in difficulties in tracing the thieves.

He said police have come up with a universal branding method for cattle to allow easy identification.

“We have found a universal branding system which we will use to stamp cattle for free.

“All villagers should bring their cattle to the dip tanks including those who have branding certificates but do not have the branding stamps,” said Sgnt Shoko.

Meanwhile, farmers in Figtree have complained about rampant loss of donkeys to thieves.

A concerned farmer, Mr Polite Moyo said he lost three three donkeys on Monday, while other farmers have also reported missing their livestock

“I cannot say who exactly is stealing our donkeys or what is happening to our donkeys but I suspect foul play because these donkeys are always grazing near our homesteads. It is clear someone drove them away.”

Another farmer Mr Milkshake Dube said at least five farmers have lost their donkeys in the past weeks.

“We were thinking that the hyenas were attacking the donkeys in the bush but we are now concerned because there are no traces of dead donkey carcasses in the area.”

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds