COMMUNITIES in Matabeleland South province have launched a provincial anti-stock theft association aimed at smoking out rustlers in the area.
The Matabeleland South Anti-Stock Theft Association Network (MSASTAN), was launched at a meeting attended by representatives from the judicial sector, the police and farmers, where the district public prosecutor cleared the air on how thieves are given bail when they continue committing the same crimes.
MSASTAN chairperson Privilege Ntizhila appreciated the lessons they got from the public prosecutor in terms of how they treat stocktheft cases in the courts.
“We expect other stakeholders to attend because we look forward to their input since there is rampant stocktheft here,” Ntizhila said.
“I am very saddened by those who did not come to the meeting because they will soon be pensioners.
“They will also buy cattle and those same cattle will be stolen like ours, whereas, if they were here today, we would have strategised on how to put an end to this issue of stocktheft.”
Ntizhila said this would not have been possible if they had not worked with the police, because as citizens, while they did not have secure rooms to keep the thieves or knowledge on how to write dockets, they needed the Judiciary to be part of the conversation.
The association also appealed to the government for lengthy incarceration for stocktheft, saying nine years are not enough.
- Record breaker Mpofu revisits difficult upbringing
- Building narratives: Charlestone School choir nominated for regional award
- Wedza North MP’s days ‘numbered’
- ED speaks on prices, exchange rate
Keep Reading
“At least 20 years will scare one who will be tempted to steal (our cattle),” he said.
Another senior citizen, who preferred anonymity, said he observed that cattle stolen in Beitbridge were taken to Gwanda and vice versa, while those stolen from Kezi were also taken to Gwanda.
“So we decided to come together and have one voice, which is possible through this association, so that if one sees suspicious activity, they alert everyone and that way, the owners will be able to locate their cattle wherever they are,” he said.
Gwanda district public prosecutor Shepherd Moyo said they had taken note of the farmers’ concerns and promised to work closely with the villagers to address their concerns.
“The farmers have raised very genuine concerns about stocktheft cases here in Gwanda,” he said.
“Some of the cases cast light on what we were not aware of as an office. We have taken note of their concerns and we will try to address them.”
