A herd of 58 cattle and 9 donkeys stolen from Botswana by a
Zimbabwean suspect has been recovered by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) at
Jani farm in Gwanda.
This comes amid efforts by both Zimbabwe and Botswana to
fight the problem of cross border stock-theft.
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi told the ZBC News that on 28 May the complainants from Semolale,
Bobonang, Gobojango and Mabolwe villages in Bobirwa district decided to track
the spore of the stolen animals and were led to the Zimbabwe border.
The breakthrough, however, came after the farmers from the
neighbouring country teamed up with officers from Zimbabwe where a herd of 58
cattle and 9 donkeys, some baring several brand marks were recovered at Jani
farm in Gwanda.
Currently the herd is at Guyu Police Station and a suspect
Nkosiyabo Gumbi has been arrested in connection with the case.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said collaborative efforts
between the ZRP and their Botswana counterparts will continue in order to fight
stock-theft.
Stock farmers from Botswana who have lost large herds of
cattle and small livestock urged both countries to expedite efforts to deal
with the problem of stock-theft which has threatened their source of livelihood
and impoverished communities.
The complainants are helping police with investigations.
“We are really faced with a serious problem, how can
someone steal such large herds. Every week cattle and small livestock are
stolen and we cannot go on like this because it means by the time we get to
2020 are kraals will be lying bare,” said the farmers.
It is believed that there are well-organised syndicates
behind the cross border stock-theft cases reported in border lying areas of
Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.
Meanwhile, police are also investigating a case of assault
after complainants in the stock-theft case metted instant justice on the
suspect, Gumbi, who has since been hospitalised after sustaining serious
injuries. zbc
0 comments:
Post a Comment