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Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
The number of cattle stolen this year decreased by 33 percent countrywide,  from 9,806 in 2013 to 6,618, police have said.
In an interview, the Anti-stock theft national coordinator, police Senior Assistant Commissioner Bernard Dumbura, attributed the decline to police campaigns and cooperation from members of the public.

He said the number of stocktheft cases reported this year dropped by 20 percent from 4,339 to 3,167.

“We recorded a significant decrease of cattle stolen, last year 9,806 cattle were stolen and the number dropped to 6,618 showing a decrease of 33 percent,” said Snr Asst Comm Dumbura.

He said during the year, they recovered 2,621 cattle, recording a recovery rate of four percent.

Snr Asst Comm Dumbura said throughout the year, police embarked on a number of campaigns to conscientise society on stock theft as well as patrols in the rural areas.

Some of the campaigns launched by the police include Nakanelani Izifuyo/Chengetedzai Zvipfuyo, branding campaign, Operation Inyama Uyithethe ngaphi/Nyama Yabvepi, Hatshi izifuyo emgwaqweni/Kwete mombe mumigwagwa and operation eradicate cattle rustlers on the market.

“During the year we managed to break a number of syndicates through patrols and campaigns; communities helped us a lot with information together with traditional leaders. The year has also seen some people going to jail for as much as 100 years for stocktheft which sends a clear message to would-be offenders,” said Snr Asst Comm Dumbura.

He said the mandatory sentence for stocktheft ranges from nine to 25 years per cow.

According to statistics, Masvingo province had the highest number of cases of cross border stocktheft particularly in Chikombedzi area where cattle were being smuggled to Mozambique.

“We also held a business against stocktheft forum and it also assisted interaction between police and members of the business community. They resolved to desist from buying uninspected meat,’” said Snr Asst Comm Dumbura.

He urged farmers to brand their cattle to curb stock-theft.

“We will still continue to fight stocktheft in the country if we work together with the communities. The police realised that these figures can be further reduced if we constantly and collectively brand our cattle. Branding of livestock helps to identify animals with their areas of origin and owners as well,” he said.

Snr Asst Comm Dumbura urged people to report any illegal activities involving livestock.

“We know that syndicates can connive with rogue police officers but we are saying to members of the public don’t hesitate to approach a higher officer to report such cases and to the criminals we’re saying the long arm of the law will catch up with you,” Snr  Asst Comm Dumbura.

Police launched the anti-stocktheft campaign in 2005 when over 25,000 cattle were being stolen annually.

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police recently launched a pilot project of cattle branding and tagging between Shangani and Mbembesi on the Harare-Bulawayo highway.

The project will see over 2,000 cattle branded with reflective ear tags in a move aimed at curbing stocktheft as well as minimising vehicle and animal collisions on the country’s major highways.