Matanga suspends 98 goat clearance scandal officer-in-charge

Audrey Galawu

Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga has suspended the Siyakobvu Police Station officer-in-charge for contravening the  Animal Health Act (Chapter19:01), Section7, Subsection 3(a) for unlawfully clearing for the transportation of 98 goats.

The Act provides for the eradication and prevention of the spread of animal pests and diseases in Zimbabwe.

Chief Inspector Biosha was suspended after he cleared 98 goats suspected to have been stolen. They were recovered in Waterfalls, Harare, last week.

Four suspects, Munashe Charamba, 20, Temba Murwira, 30, Franklin Chiramba, 36, and Liminus Zhou, 38, were arrested in connection with the theft.

ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Biosha is facing criminal charges in connection with the case.

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

In a similar case on October 5, 2022, police in Chegutu intercepted 81 goats belonging to Masiya Mateyaunga which were being ferried from a high-risk foot and mouth disease area of Karomba Village in Gokwe.

The goats from Sibiya, Gokwe, were originally destined for Kwekwe but the owner had then tried to smuggle them to Harare instead.

They were all ordered to be slaughtered and disposed-off by the Department of Veterinary Services.