BY VUSINDLU MAPHOSA
Already reeling under the impact of low rainfall and soil infertility for crop husbandry, Cannicious Nkala from Gwanda South in Matabeleland South now has to contend with another threat: cattle rustlers.
Because of the area’s arid conditions, the land is best suited for raising livestock.
Like other communal farmers, Nkala has invested in livestock production, one of the major economic drivers in the province where crop husbandry does not do well.
Over the years, Nkala has seen his herd of cattle dwindle under the pressure of persistent drought, debilitating bovine diseases and an unprecedented string of cattle thefts.
Many other farmers across the country share his plight.
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As recently as January 30, a total of 33 beasts were stolen in Gwanda South’s ward 24.
“An operation conducted by Botswana farmers, Tuli camp police and ward 24 anti-stock theft team in Gwanda South recovered a slaughtered beast in the bush and eight beasts,” Nkala said.
“About 33 other beasts are still missing and they are still trying to track them around the Ngoma area.”
Matabeleland South Anti Stock Theft Association chairman Victor Sibanda said the stock theft cases were alarming.
“What worries us is that all those guys who were arrested after we apprehended them have been given bail, and they are still terrorising people around the area,” Sibanda said.
Stock theft carries stiff penalties.
Stealing one beast carries a nine-year jail sentence.
In a move aimed to deter would-be offenders, the government passed the stock-theft Act in 2005 with stiffer penalties for cattle rustling.
But Sibanda said fighting stock theft has been difficult as the syndicates allegedly work with the police.
“The syndicates are always armed with machetes, and are not shy to engage in deadly violence,” he added.
“In August one of our anti-stock theft team members was severely injured by the criminals. As I am talking some are still in wheelchairs.”
“Recently, one of our elders in Ward 18, Shakes Ncube was attacked during the night and his car was stolen.
“He lost his eye. A lot of things are happening but the police are failing even to apprehend those thugs, we wonder why.”
In November, police launched an operation targeting stock thieves and other related cases.
During the operation, police in Tuli recovered 15 herd of cattle at Ngoma village that were stolen from Botswana.
One villager, Castro Ndlovu of Nhwali area was found in possession of 25 stolen cattle during the operation. He is behind bars.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said she had no reports of involvement of law enforcement agents in stock theft cases.
“I will check with the concerned station and comment to you,” she says.
Efforts to get feedback from her later on the criminal activities involving the police were fruitless.
In October 2021, police invited farmers to visit Gwanda Show Grounds to identify 65 of 98 herd of cattle that was recovered from the cattle rustling hotspots in Gwanda South.
A total of 12 donkeys were also recovered during the operation.
An investigation by The Citizen Bulletin revealed that Shanyaugwe, John Dip, Gohole, Collen Bawn, Makhado, West Nicholson, Ngoma and Guyu have been notorious for cattle rustling since 2000.
In some instances, the cattle rustlers slaughter the beasts in the bush and carry the meat for sale at butcheries and restaurants where there is a ready market.
Villager Calvin Moyo said it was high time the government intervened.
“We are appealing to you with grief with what is happening at ZRP Guyu, Gwanda District, Matabeleland South province.
“The police officers are highly corrupt which is against your vision 2030 mantra,” Moyo wrote to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We pray for you to intervene and help us, please.”
*This article was originally published by The Citizen Bulletin, a non-profit news organisation that produces hard-hitting, hyperlocal reporting and analysis for the southwestern region of Matabeleland.