Farmer loses 40 cattle in theft

Zim Now Writer

The alarming trend of stock theft continues to plague Zimbabwe, with farmers across the country falling victim to these criminal activities. In a recent incident, a Bulawayo-based farmer lost close to 40 cattle over the weekend.

61-year-old Zenzo Luphahla, a livestock farmer from Hope Fountain, was left devastated after discovering that his cattle had been slaughtered. "My cattle have been missing for a while, so I was really saddened when I received a call to say my cattle were found slaughtered," he lamented. "About 40 of my cattle have been lost, and only these five are the ones I have been able to get."

Following the incident, a 43-year-old suspect, Bhekilizwe Nyathi, was apprehended by the authorities. However, two of his accomplices remain at large. Police have recovered five cattle carcasses and are actively searching for the remaining suspects.

According to Bulawayo ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube, a local resident witnessed the suspicious activity and intervened. "There was a man at work in the evening yesterday who saw the suspicious vehicle and asked what was going on," Ncube explained. "The accused attempted to drive off but was stopped by the security man who was then struck on the mouth with the end of an axe."

The brave security guard held on to the back of the vehicle, preventing the suspects from escaping. His screams alerted the public, leading to the arrest of one suspect. Investigations are ongoing to determine the whereabouts of the stolen meat and the identities of the other accomplices.

This incident comes at a critical time when Zimbabwe is already grappling with the effects of the El-Nino-induced drought. The loss of livestock further exacerbates the challenges faced by farmers and threatens the country's food security.