Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrest of Edmore Bhibhi (46) and Farai Pambukani (28) in connection with the case.
Ncube said the two, who have since been charged with stock theft, was intercepted around the Esigodini and Llewellyn area while driving a white truck loaded with 19 cattle.
“We have arrested two suspects after their vehicle was intercepted while carry 19 herd of cattle. The two were intercepted around Esigodini and Llewellyn area after they were spotted in Insiza by an informant, who tried to stop them but they fled driving towards Bulawayo,” he said.
He said after they refused to stop, the informant followed them while phoning the police until he got in touch with the Bulawayo Central police.
“Bulawayo Central station laid an ambush along the way and managed to arrest the suspects who did not have any papers permitting them to transport the cattle legally. Upon search, police discovered that 13 were cows while six were oxen.
“All the cattle were recovered while two died during transportation.”
Ncube said the suspects were currently assisting police with investigations and applauded the informant for assisting in the recovery of the stolen cattle.
“We urge members of the public to report to police any suspicious movements by strangers in their communities as this helps to safeguard their properties and wealth,” he said.
As part of efforts to suppress stock theft, police are encouraging farmers to establish Village Anti-Stock Theft Committees (VASTC), an initiative that empowers livestock owners and communities in the fight to protect their wealth.
Farmers are also encouraged to put brand marks on their livestock for easy identification when either lost or stolen, as well as obtain movement permits from the Department of Veterinary Services.
SOURCE : NEHANDA RADIO
