Police In Matabeleland South have recovered 21 stolen cattle that had been stolen from 2 farms in Bulawayo and Beitbridge, Sunday News reports.
The recoveries were confirmed by Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele who said some of the cattle were recovered in Ngoma while some were recovered in Mangwe District:
I can confirm that we have recovered 21 cattle, 11 of which were stolen from Doddiburn grazing area in Beitbridge while 10 others were stolen from Lower Rangemore Farm. In the first incident Mr Phineas Siziba released his cattle into Doddiburn grazing area and when he rounded them up, he realised that 11 of his beasts were missing. He filed a report at Zezane Police Station.
The police received a tip-off that four of the cattle had been seen in a bushy area in Ngoma area and they were recovered. On Sunday the police conducted further investigations which led to the recovery of four more cattle in a field belonging to Lewis Siziba of Ngoma area. Three other cattle were recovered near the field. The police tried to lay an ambush in order to apprehend the suspect, Siziba but he noticed them and fled
The total value of the stolen cattle is $110 000 according to the police. 5 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, the 5 are:
- Nkosiphile Moyo (24)
- Shadreck Moyo (18)
- Mxolisi Sibanda (30),
- Ambrose Moyo (70)
- Bhekisisa Mlalazi (34)
Stock theft carries a maximum sentence of 9 years in jail per beast.
More: Sunday News