Two rustlers arrested in connection with series of stock theft cases in Kadoma
In a significant breakthrough, the police have apprehended two individuals suspected of being involved in a string of stock theft incidents in and around the Turf area of Kadoma. Over a period spanning from January 2023 to February 2024, a total of 28 cattle were reported stolen.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests of Francis Masvora (54) and Takudzwa Masvora (26) in a statement. Acting on received information, a police crack team conducted a raid at the suspects’ residence in Eiffel Flats, Kadoma. During the operation, authorities discovered 15 cattle in the possession of the suspects, which they failed to account for.
The subsequent investigation and identification process carried out by the police, in collaboration with five complainants, led to the recovery of eight cows, four heifers, one bull, and two calves from the suspects’ cattle pen. Additionally, further inquiries unveiled that 13 other cattle had been sold to five different buyers.
In total, law enforcement managed to recover 28 cattle with an estimated value of US$14,000.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Francis Masvora (54) and Takudzwa Masvora (26) in connection with a spate of stocktheft cases in which the suspects stole 28 cattle in and around Turf area, Kadoma from January 2023 to February 2024.
“On March 27, 2024, a police crack team acted on the received information and raided the two stocktheft suspects at their place of residence in Eiffel Flats, Kadoma. Investigations carried out by the police established that the suspects were in possession of 15 cattle which they failed to account for.
“Resultantly, the arrest of the two suspects led to the recovery of eight cows, four heifers, one bull and two calves from the suspects’ kraal, which were all positively identified by five complainants. Further investigations carried out by the police led to the recovery of 13 cattle which were sold to five buyers. The value of the recovered 28 cattle is US$14 000.”
This significant breakthrough in the fight against stock theft brings a measure of relief to the affected farmers and serves as a warning to potential criminals engaged in such activities. The police continue their efforts to combat rural crime and protect the livelihoods of farmers in the country.
