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THE bravery of a member of a neighbourhood watch committee who risked his life leading to the arrest of a notorious cattle rustler in Bulawayo last month is a reminder of the community’s powerful role in eradicating crime.

Choosing to stand up against crime, Mr Ncube not only resisted the temptation to be bribed but was twice thrown off the roof of a moving vehicle as he accosted Bhekilizwe Nyathi and his two accomplices who also struck him with the back of an axe.

His valiant actions led to the arrest of Nyathi and recovery of five stolen cattle carcasses. Mr Ncube had spotted the three in their parked vehicle, which contained the cattle carcasses on August 27.

In the process, Mr Ncube demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication to justice but more importantly sent a strong message to criminals that the community will no longer tolerate their activities.

Bhekilizwe Nyathi Cattle rustler in court

We urge members of the public to emulate Mr Ncube’s courageous example and take an active role in fighting crime. We also welcome the initiative by farmers from Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and those with farms on the periphery of Bulawayo to reward Mr Ncube on Tuesday where they handed over cash and meat to the local hero at the Ross Camp Police Station.

He received US$765, R5 360, US$270 sent through mobile money transfer platform, EcoCash, ZWG270 in local currency and meat worth US$50.
Their representative, Mr Jairos Mahlangu, who is a respected pedigree Brahman cattle breeder, said the fact that farmers from three provinces came together to thank Mr Ncube is proof that cattle rustling in a scourge that affects every farmer regardless of the location of their farms, plots or communal areas.

Bhekilizwe Nyathi

Officer Commanding Bulawayo Metropolitan province, Commissioner Wiklef Makamache, was full of praise for Mr Ncube’s bravery.

“Mr Shepherd Ncube through dedication, resilience and alertness became a central figure for his act of bravery in the recovery of five stolen carcasses. The neighbourhood watch committee where Mr Ncube falls under is an arm and an offspring that arose from one of our contemporary policing initiatives for the formation of a strong joint venture between the police and members of the public in fighting crime in Bulawayo,” he said.

“The crime of stock theft pierces through the heart of agricultural livelihoods and is a major obstacle to the existence and growth of our national herd.
“Today, our memories are drawn to the attention of the events of August 27, 2024 when Shepherd Ncube observed a Mazda pickup fully loaded with cattle carcasses”