By Karen Sibanda
CHIREDZI – A 39-year-old man was intercepted by a vigilant member of the public while
driving a herd of 20 goats past a homestead, leading to his arrest after he failed to account for the
ownership of the animals, police have confirmed.
Masvingo Deputy Provincial Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, said in
a press statement issued on May 6 that police attended the scene following a report and arrested
the suspect after he could not produce evidence that he was the rightful owner.
“Police swiftly attended the scene following the report and arrested the suspect after he failed to
account for the ownership of the goats,” said Assistant Inspector Patinyu.
The incident occurred on May 4, 2026, at around 6:30am, when a resident of Village 3 Mareve
under Chief Tshovani noticed the suspect, identified as Benjamin Ngezimani, driving a herd of
goats past his homestead.
Suspicious of the movement, the resident questioned Ngezimani about the origin and destination
of the animals. Unsatisfied with the explanations given, the resident reported the matter to the
police.
Investigations later established that the goats had been stolen from the Chizvinizi grazing area.
All 20 goats, valued at approximately US$600, were recovered in good condition and have since
been returned to their rightful owners.
Stock theft in Masvingo province typically involves cattle, and sometimes donkeys, particularly
in districts such as Mwenezi and Chivi. Chiredzi itself has recorded many cases of stock theft,
but the recovery of 20 goats in a single interception makes this incident notable.
Assistant Inspector Patinyu commended the public for their vigilance and cooperation with law
enforcement, noting that community involvement continues to play a critical role in curbing
stock theft. He also acknowledged the commitment to dismantling stock theft syndicates and
urged the public to report any suspicious movement of livestock to the nearest police station.
