Police Recover 19 Stolen Cattle in Matabeleland North
Bulawayo police’s relentless crime awareness campaigns, coupled with the vigilant cooperation of farmers in the vicinity, have resulted in a significant breakthrough in the recovery of stolen livestock.
Inspector Abednico Ncube, the provincial police spokesperson for Bulawayo, has confirmed the retrieval of 19 head of cattle that were reported stolen from the Inyathi and Mbembesi areas in Matabeleland North province. The recovered animals are currently being housed at Kuthula Farm in Matopo.
This success underscores the effectiveness of community engagement and collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and local residents in combating livestock theft, a longstanding issue that has plagued rural areas.
The swift action taken by the police and the proactive involvement of farmers demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing crime and fostering security within the community.
“Bulawayo Police have recovered 19 head of cattle stolen from Inyathi and Mbembesi farmers.
This was a result of ongoing crime awareness campaigns by a Bulawayo Provincial Anti stock theft team where farmers surrounding Bulawayo are engaged to close routes used by thieves into the city. The cattle are on a farm in Matopo,” said Insp Ncube in a brief statement Thursday morning.
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In a troubling development, Jabulani Nkomo, the son of the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo, has disclosed the loss of 42 cattle from his Umguza Plot over a suspected period of four months, spanning from August to December of the previous year. Nkomo suspects foul play in the disappearance of his livestock.
Police investigations have identified Tatenda Chimombe, an employee of Nkomo’s who is currently evading authorities, as the primary suspect in the case. This revelation underscores the severity of the issue of cattle theft in the area.
Furthermore, in a separate incident in January, Bulawayo police apprehended two individuals from Emganwini Suburb in Bulawayo on charges of rustling a herd of 19 cattle. These arrests highlight law enforcement’s proactive stance in combating livestock-related crimes and ensuring justice for victims like Jabulani Nkomo.
