By Owen Dhliwayo

A highly organized cattle rustling syndicate is plaguing Chipinge district, stealing prized livestock and smuggling them into neighboring Mozambique. The syndicate, believed to be well-connected, has been targeting communities in Chipinge, making off with cattle worth thousands of dollars.

“We have lost count of the number of cattle stolen,” said Bothwell Zitho, a local villager in Chisumbanje. “It is like they have a network of informants here in Chipinge and buyers waiting in Mozambique.”

A recent collaborative effort between Zimbabwean and Mozambican police led to the recovery of 32 stolen cattle in Mozambique.

“On the 10th day of July 2024, a delegation from Chipinge district…held a bilateral meeting with Mozambique police officers in Espungabeira Town in Mozambique,” said Officer Commanding Police Manicaland Province in a memo.

The meeting resulted in the identification of the stolen cattle, valued at R76 000, by Wayera Sithole, a villager from Mufukwa under Chief Musikavanhu.

“Investigations are in progress to detect and arrest the accused persons,” said the Officer Commanding Police Manicaland Province.

The cattle rustling syndicate’s activities have left villagers in Chipinge district on edge, highlighting the need for increased security measures and cooperation between Zimbabwean and Mozambican authorities to combat the scourge.