Livestock farmers in Matabeleland are calling for tougher penalties for cattle rustlers and believe they should not be eligible for presidential amnesty.
This request came after they honored Shepherd Ncube, a member of the Nkulumane neighborhood watch committee, who helped catch a suspect, Bhekilizwe Nyathi, with five stolen and slaughtered cattle last month.
Ncube was awarded a certificate of excellence by the police, and the farmers gave him US$700 and R6,000 as thanks.
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Meli Ndlovu, speaking for the Matabeleland Farmers Guide, stressed that cattle rustlers should not be granted bail or amnesty.
Hope Fountain board chairperson Dingiswayo Chatagwe shared similar concerns, noting the ongoing problem of cattle theft, with many farmers losing significant numbers of livestock.
Matabeleland South farmer Sanatiel Sibanda added that thieves often flaunt their connections and feel emboldened after their release.
The farmers hope that stricter measures will prevent further losses, especially with the holiday season approaching.
