Yeukai Munetsi
Lalapanzi- A suspected cattle rustling gang consisting of three men and one woman was recently busted by police in Lalapanzi.
The four suspects are Muruvi Muruvi (56), Evelyn Matoma (a woman, age not given), Godknows Dube (27) all of Hillview 1, Lalapanzi and Amon Mpofu (68) of village 4, Makuti.
The quartet reportedly stole cattle from Plot 29 Hillview 1 in Lalapanzi.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the case.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of four suspects in connection with stock theft cases in Lalapanzi area. They were arrested during the night of January 28, 2023,” said Mahoko.
Police applauded the community for assisting them with information pertaining to criminal activities.
“Once again police would like to applaud members of the public who support police with positive information which assists in crime investigation,” he added.
Allegations are that on 28 January 2023 at around 2200 hours, Jonathan Phiri (62) of Hillview 1 in Lalapanzi was at his homestead when he heard some noise of people slaughtering a beast coming from Muruvi’s kraal.
He teamed up with his colleague and proceeded to Muruvi’s homestead and upon arrival they saw the four suspects slaughtering a beast and alerted the police.
Acting on the information, police swiftly reacted to the scene and arrested the four suspects.
Five live beasts stolen from one Mr Hwacha were recovered at the scene.
All the four suspects were taken to Mvuma Magistrate’s Court for initial remand on January 30, 2023.
