More than 300 butcheries and food outlets have been closed across Zimbabwe as police escalate a nationwide operation targeting stock theft and the illegal sale of meat.
The crackdown, which has already resulted in thousands of arrests, is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to dismantle livestock rustling networks and ensure compliance with public health and veterinary regulations in the meat trade.
According to police, the ongoing operation — code-named “Batai Mbavha Dzemombe Nembudzi” — has been rolled out countrywide and continues to gather momentum since its launch last month.
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National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the exercise is focused on both organised stock theft syndicates and businesses violating licensing and food safety laws.
He said 415 suspects have been arrested for stock theft-related crimes, while a further 2,997 people have been picked up for offences linked to illegal meat trading and regulatory breaches.
Authorities also reported the recovery of stolen livestock, including 43 cattle, 35 goats, 13 donkeys, one pig, and 54 chickens.
Beyond rustling cases, police said many arrests stem from illegal business practices such as operating unlicensed butcheries, vending meat without permits, failing to maintain stock movement records, and not adhering to veterinary and public health requirements.
As enforcement tightened, 205 butcheries and 125 food outlets have been shut down for non-compliance.
Police say the operation will continue nationwide, with authorities warning that anyone involved in stock theft or illegal meat distribution will face the full force of the law as the government moves to protect consumers and safeguard the livestock sector.
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