Zambians Accused of Cattle Rustling in Zim Border ...

Zambians Accused of Cattle Rustling in Zim Border Areas

Nyashadzashe Ndoro- Chief Reporter

Zambian nationals have been accused of cattle rustling in several Zimbabwean border areas, including Lumbora, Chezya, Sidinda, and Matetsi, according to recent parliamentary proceedings.

Hwange East lawmaker Joseph Bonda raised concerns with the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, last Wednesday regarding the adequacy of personnel and resources to combat this cross-border crime.

Kazembe acknowledged the issue, stating that stock theft is a significant problem affecting both Zimbabwe and its neighbors. He confirmed that the Zimbabwe Republic Police has engaged in joint operations and investigations with Zambian counterparts to address the issue.

"Joint investigations involve two countries—Zimbabwe and Zambia—identifying a surge in stock theft in their areas, engaging one another, and carrying out investigations using intelligence gathered from locals.

"Once the two agree, they conduct joint operations in identified areas to arrest the cattle rustlers. This is what is happening between the ZRP and their counterparts in Zambia," Kazembe told the House.

The minister detailed the ZRP's efforts, including the deployment of additional police officers for anti-stock theft operations in Matabeleland North Province, which borders the Zambezi River. He stated that these deployments have led to a decline in reported cases.

According to Kazembe, since January 2024, two cases involving the theft of two cattle were recorded at Hwange Police Station, while three cases involving 25 cattle were reported at Jambezi Police Station.

He outlined several strategies being implemented, such as strengthening neighborhood watch committees, invigorating village anti-stock theft committees, and improving information flow between the police and the public.

A key concern raised by Bonda was the lack of adequate transportation for police patrols along the extensive border.

The minister admitted to the challenge and stated that the government, through a program spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is working to provide more vehicles to the police force. He reported that over 600 vehicles were received last year and expressed hope for further allocations this year, with priority given to border areas.

"Indeed, there is a need to increase mobility in those areas—not just those areas but throughout the country. We have had challenges with transport for quite a while as police, but I am glad that we have a program spearheaded by the President himself, through which we are receiving vehicles in batches as resources become available.

"I am sure you will bear testimony that last year we received two batches of vehicles courtesy of measures put in place by the President. We hope and trust that we will continue to receive those vehicles, especially this year. We look forward to receiving more batches. Last year, I think we received a total of more than 600 vehicles.

"Considering the challenges we have had in the past, I think we are moving in the right direction and hope that this year, we will receive more, with priority given to such areas," he stated.