Story by Grace Sibanda
Cases of stock-theft are increasing countrywide, with a Bulawayo-based farmer losing close to 40 cattle at the weekend.
61-year-old livestock farmer from Hope Fountain, Mr Zenzo Luphahla is the latest victim and was almost in tears when he narrated how he lost close to 40 beasts.
“My cattle have been missing for a while, so I was really saddened when I received a call to say my cattle were found slaughtered. About 40 of my cattle have been lost and only these five are the ones I have been able to get,” he said.
A 43-year-old suspect Bhekilizwe Nyathi has since been arrested while his two accomplices are still at large.
Police have also recovered five cattle carcasses as the hunt for the other suspects continues.
“There was a man at work in the evening yesterday who saw the suspicious vehicle and asked what was going on. The accused attempted to drive off but was stopped by the security man who was then struck on the mouth with the end of an axe. The man did not back he held on to the back of the car when the accused drove off and it was his screams that alerted the public. This man has been causing trouble along with his friends. Still, investigations are underway on where the meat was herded to and where the other accomplices are,” said Bulawayo ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube.
This comes at a time when the country is battling the effects of the El-Nino-induced drought with sustained efforts to save the national herd.
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