Police have arrested three individuals implicated in a crossborder stock theft syndicate, following a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against illegal livestock trade. The trio, identified as Prince Dube (40), from Gwanda, Trust Mpofu (37) from Nkulumane Bulawayo, and Mtitikisi Mzizi (31) from Pumula North, were caught red-handed after using fake stock clearance forms to illegally transport stolen livestock.
According to Inspector Saxson Dube, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Anti-Stock Theft Coordinator for Bulawayo, the suspects were apprehended during a routine inspection of their paperwork.
“The trio had brought in cattle to the Cold Storage Company for direct slaughter. However, upon inspecting their documentation, we discovered they were using counterfeit police forms and veterinary permits, including fake 392s,” Inspector Dube said during the ZRP Crimewatch show.
Further investigation revealed that the animals in question had been stolen from Botswana. The suspects admitted to crossing the stolen cattle through the Shashani River into Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South, in a clear indication of the growing crossborder syndicates involved in livestock theft.
“This operation highlights the growing threats of stock theft, particularly from crossborder syndicates, and the lengths criminals will go to deceive authorities,” Inspector Dube added.
The suspects are currently under police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have called on communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to livestock trafficking, with increased penalties for those found guilty of engaging in stock theft.
