Top cop suspended for aiding smuggling of 98 goats

Audrey Galawu

Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga has exercised his powers to suspend, with immediate effect, the Siyakobvu Police Station officer-in-charge.

The suspension comes after Chief Inspector Bhosha allegedly cleared 98 goats suspected to have been stolen from Kariba and transported to Harare.

The goats were recovered in Waterfalls.

The goats had official documentation from the police and the veterinary department, which made possible their transportation to the capital.

The Animal Health Act (Chapter 19:01) Section7, Subsection 3(a) under which the officer-in-charge is likely to be charged, provides for the eradication and prevention of the spread of animal pests and diseases in Zimbabwe.

ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Bhosha is facing criminal charges in connection with the case, saying:

“Police will not spare anyone, including police officers, who engage in criminal activities.”

Meanwhile, four suspects, Munashe Charamba, 20, Temba Murwira, 30, Franklin Chiramba, 36 and Liminus Zhou, 38, have been arrested in connection with the theft.

This is not the first time a large herd of goats has been intercepted. On October 5, 2022, police in Chegutu blocked the transportation of 81 goats belonging to Masiya Mateyaunga. They were being transported from a high-risk foot and mouth disease area of Karomba Village in Gokwe.

https://zimbabwenow.co.zw/articles/751/update-vet-department-slaughters-81-goats-in-gokwe-plus-video

Originally, they were destined for Kwekwe, but the owner then tried to smuggle them to Harare instead.

The goats were ordered to be slaughtered and disposed of by the Department of Veterinary Services.