Doctor in court for stealing 254 cattle

Zim Now Writer

A retired Chiredzi doctor this week appeared before Magistrate Brian Munyaradzi facing charges of stealing 254 head of cattle worth US$101 600 between 2013 and 2021.

Munyaradzi remanded Tungamirai Rukatya to July 5, 2023, for a continuation of trial. The case is under CR179/02/23.

Court documents state that Rukatya, a medical doctor by profession, was left in charge of a farm owned by Tony Sarpo where Gary Warth paid 24 cattle per year for grazing in the fields.

Rukatya allegedly took charge of 96 head of cattle paid and a further 158 cattle belonging to Sarpo.

Hothfield Enterprises loss control officer, Solomon Mateta told the court that Tony Sarpo is a 100 percent shareholder of both Oscro Farm and Hothfield Enterprises and is also a 50 percent shareholder of Towfin Investment, a farm belonging to Rukatya. Tony had 158 cattle on these farms.

In 2009, Sarpo had a mutual agreement with Warth that his cattle would graze in Hothfield and Oscro farms. In return, Gary would pay 24 cattle per year for grazing. In 2010, Gary paid 24 heifers.

Theresa Warth send an email to Tony confirming that the cattle were paid for the June 2009 to June 2010 payment. When Tony relocated to Harare, he left Rukatya on these farms, receiving payments from Gary.

When Tony then wanted his cattle, Rukatya told him that there was nothing. After an investigation by the police, Warth confirmed that he gave Rukatya 96 beasts, making a total of 254 head of cattle allegedly stolen by Rukatya.

Rukatya, who is now running a butchery, is also facing charges of stealing a 15 000-litre tank worth US$8 000 and selling it to ICP in Chiredzi. The case is under CRB 619/23.

Enoch Tapudzi prosecuted.