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Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent

POLICE in Lower Gweru, Midlands Province have recovered 33 stolen cattle after arresting five suspected rustlers who had stolen 35 beasts from a farm and sold them to villagers.

Among the suspects are a father and son who were employed at Gilman Farm and allegedly worked as inside men to coordinate the theft of 35 beasts from their employer.

The suspects are Busani Sibanda (39) of Drawacard Farm in Vungu area, Emmanuel Moyo (40) of Mantiya Village, Lower Gweru, Ephraim Mazinyane (40) of Mantiya Village, Takurai Gumbo (53) of Ensors Farm, Vungu Area and Chikomborero Calvin Gumbo (25) of Ensors Farm in Lower Gweru.

Takurai and Chikomborero Gumbo are the father and son.
Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said police investigations led to the recovery of 33 of the stolen cattle.

He said the cattle were stolen in two batches between September and November 2022.
“The suspects reportedly cut the barbed wire to gain entry and drive the cattle out. The offence was discovered by one of the workers and a report was made to the police,” he said.

Inspector Mahoko said investigations led to the arrest of Sibanda and the recovery of three beasts from him.
Sibanda had already rebranded the stolen animals.

Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko

Further investigations led to the arrest of Takurai and his son Chikomborero who were employed at the same farm, leading to the recovery of eight beasts from them.

“The remaining twenty-five cattle were recovered from local farmers who had bought them from the suspects. As a result, a total of 33 cattle were recovered and the accused persons are set to appear in court soon,” he said.
Inspector Mahoko hailed members of the public for supplying information leading to the arrest of the suspects and urged farmers to be vigilant.

“Farmers are urged to quickly make police reports where they suspect their stock had been stolen. Farmers should also be watchful of the activities of their workers,” he said.