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percent last year as compared to 2009.
Last year, 7 239 cases were reported as compared to 7 956 in 2009.
Police Deputy Commissioner-General (operations) Innocent Matibiri said these figures were still unacceptably high and the force needed to pursue tireless endeavours to eradicate this scourge.
“Essentially the fight against stock theft shall remain firmly anchored on effective participation of the community and all stakeholders,” he said.
Deputy Comm-Gen was speaking at the launch of the National Cattle Branding Campaign held at Murombedzi Growth Point last week.
He said the campaign code-named Cattle Branding/Muchiso Pamombe/Uphau Enko-meni was an eloquent testimony of Government’s commitment to safeguard and enhance the growth of the national herd.
“It is without doubt that, from time immemorial, livestock has remained a dependable source of livelihood across genera- tions.
“Admittedly, it continues to be a source of draught power, a symbol of wealth and more importantly, a huge national investment vehicle,” Deputy Comm-Gen Matibiri said.
He said it was this immeasurable value of livestock from the household level up to the national economy that had brought together the ZRP, Veterinary Services Department and the office of the Registrar General, to embark on this nationwide drive to raise awareness on the need to have livestock branded.
Deputy Comm-Gen Matibiri said it was appalling to note that out of the nation’s six million cattle population only 20 percent branded.
“I am thus, confident that this branding exercise, if embraced fully by all livestock farmers in the country, shall no doubt, culminate in a significant reduction in stocktheft cases as it will inevitably improve the identification of stray or stolen stock,” he said.
He said it was sad to point out that every year, more than 400 unclaimed cattle were sold at public auctions by the Poundmaster due to the absence of identification brands.
He said branding would not only aid police investigations but would tremendously enhance animal disease control mechanisms where livestock from quarantined areas would be restricted from moving to safer zones.
“Even those who may desire to have personalized brands, the Registrar of brands is at your disposal for a brand that will identify your stock with a pattern of your choice,” Deputy Comm-Gen Matibiri said.