Yeukai Munetsi
Silobela- Cattle rustlers who debone cattle are at it again in the Midlands province with the latest incident being that of a farmer at Farm 15, St Marks area under Chief Malisa in Silobela who, on June 22, woke up to the shock of his life after three of his beasts were stolen and deboned at a nearby bushy.
Police have confirmed the incident.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said they were appealing for information with regards to the suspect’s whereabouts or help identify the owner of a vehicle that was left by the suspects after a police chase.
“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information about the owner of the motor vehicle that we recovered with stolen meant and the suspects behind the Stock theft case to help us.” he added.
Sources privy to the incident said the suspects stole three cattle from the complainants’ kraal during the night and slaughtered them at a nearby bush, took all the meat, leaving the head and bones at the scene.
On the following day, (23 June 2023) the police received a tip off that there was a green Nissan sedan vehicle registration number ACS 9529 carrying suspected stolen meat, that had been spotted.
Police swiftly reacted, spotted the motor vehicle and followed it. The suspects noticed that they were being pursued and increased speed. After pursuing it for about 25 kilometres, the vehicle developed a tyre puncture.
The occupants then stopped the vehicle and ran away into a thick bush leaving their vehicle idling.
Police searched the vehicle and recovered five sacks full of meat weighing 361, 24KGs staffed inside the vehicle boot.
Cases of cattle deboning thieves have been on the rise especially in the Midlands Province. A number of cases were also reported in Gutu District of Masvingo Province.
