Chiredzi cattle rustler sentenced to 111 years in prison
In a significant victory for the affected communities, Munashe Taruberekera, a notorious cattle rustler who caused havoc by stealing cattle across Chiredzi district, including areas in the Limpopo Valley, has been sentenced to 111 years behind bars. The judgment was delivered by Chiredzi Magistrate Mr Brian Munyaradzi following Taruberekera’s conviction on 11 counts of stock theft.
Law enforcement officials managed to recover all 43 cattle that formed the basis of the charges against Taruberekera. These animals were found in the Buffalo Range area, where the convict resided. Taruberekera had been a constant menace, targeting communities in Chiredzi, particularly in the livestock-rich Limpopo Valley near the border with South Africa. He would brazenly descend upon homesteads, making off with entire herds of cattle without detection.
One such incident occurred in June of last year when Tarubekera opened a cattle pen at a homestead in Sengwe. Under the cover of darkness, he made off with 11 beasts, leaving no trace behind. However, relentless police investigations eventually led them to Taruberekera’s location in Buffalo Range, where all the stolen cattle were recovered.
This judgment serves as a stern warning to other would-be cattle rustlers, highlighting the severe consequences of such criminal activities. The apprehension and subsequent sentencing of Taruberekera bring a sense of relief to the affected communities, who can now rest assured that justice has been served.
