The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
POLICE in Nyazura have busted a Wedza cattle rustling syndicate and recovered 24 beasts with an estimated market value of US$10 000.
The beasts had been stolen from Nyazura and were being sold to Wedza farmers.
The suspects were identified as Robert Chiratidzo (26), Leonard Mudzimu (29), Simon Chiratidzo (38), Denford Kandeya (18), Prosper Gwama (20) and Phillip Gwama (54) — all from Mukanwa Village under Chief Ruzane in Wedza.
Four accused persons appeared before Rusape magistrate, Miss Rutendo Machingura, last week on Saturday and were each granted $2 000 bail.
The gang was ordered to report fortnightly at Mukamba Police Post in Wedza.
Mr Justice Masanganise prosecuted, while Mr Kingstone Tarisayi Mkanganwi of Mugiya and Muvhami Law Chambers was the defence lawyer.
The net is closing in on the two suspected fugitive ringleaders.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda confirmed the arrest of four of the suspects last week and said the chief culprits — Robert Chiratidzo and Leonard Mudzimu – evaded arrest.
A manhunt has since been launched for them.
He said those with information on their whereabouts should contact Nyazura police on 0776461569 or any nearest police.
“On June 14, we received a tip-off that some livestock stolen from Nyazura had a ready market in Wedza where cattle rustlers are targeting tobacco farmers who are desperate to restock their herds which were wiped out by January disease,” said Inspector Chananda.
He said police raided Mukanwa Village and recovered 24 beasts.
The recovered cattle were taken to Mukamba Police Post for safe keeping. Eleven beasts have since been returned to their owners.
“The farmers who had bought the beasts revealed that they had brought the beasts from Nyazura ‘cattle buyers’. They had been made to believe that the cattle had been obtained through transparent transactions. Efforts were made to arrest the chief culprits, Robert Chiratidzo and Leonard Mudzimu, but the two fled from the area before the arrival of the police,” said Inspector Chananda.
“Investigations are still in progress to identify the owners of the outstanding 13 beasts,” he said.
Inspector Chananda said since the onset of the tobacco marketing season, Nyazura has been experiencing an upsurge in cases of stock theft, thereby forcing the police to conduct general and motorised patrols as well as awareness campaigns to curb the scourge.
