By Archford Chirimudombo
MARONDERA- Despite theft cases decreasing in the province between January and June periods over the past two years, police have called for enhancement of other techniques to stamp out the scourge completely.
A total of 488 cattle were stolen between January and June this year compared to 549 stolen over the same period last year with most of the cases being reported in Chikomba district.
Officer commanding Mashonaland East police Commissioner Grace Ndou recently addressed farmers at Jombani Business Centre in Chikomba where she called for the involvement of the public to stamp out stock theft cases.
“For the period extending from January to June 2022, a total of 293 cases involving cattle only were received as compared to347 during the same period in year 2021, resulting in a decrease of about15.6 percent. A total of 488 cattle were stolen from the period extending from January to June 2022 as compared to 549 during the same period in year 2021giving a decrease of 11.1 percent. As ZRP Mashonaland East, we managed to arrest 78 accused persons for stock theft involving cattle from January to June 2022 as compared to 108 during the same period in year 2021.
“However, regardless of having a general decrease in stock theft cases in the province, there is a cause of concern in Chivhu district. ZRP Chivhu district received a total 275 stock theft cases from January to September 2022 compared to 260 cases the previous year, translating to a 6 percent increase,” Commissioner Ndou said.
She added that the police can only contain the challenge of curtailing stock theft through pro-active crime management initiatives that are centred on the active participation of a crime conscious society.
“This occasion demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between the police, farmers and the business community as we work together as equal partners in the fight against stock theft. In this regard, I would like to commend your co-operation in our endeavour to create a crime free society conducive for attainment of an upper middle income society by 2030.
“As police, we will continue demonstrating vigilance in fighting stock theft and weeding out some bad apples from communities who are engaging in various criminal activities meant to choke the growth of livestock business,” she said.
Commissioner Ndou also shared some of the strategies that she felt farmers ought to follow as measures to safeguard their livestock and properties and at times life.
The strategies include target hardening, collective penning, formation of village anti-stock theft committees, cattle branding, mobilising resources and channelling them towards fighting against stock theft.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Ndou said the Zimbabwe Republic Police does not condone acts of corruption in its ranks and files.
“In order to end this disturbing practice, we urge you all to name and shame all those who continue to engage in this practice. As police, we have put measures to get rid of those bad apples within our rank and file who engage in these unwarranted activities.
“I hope that this event will mark the beginning of a better society that appreciates and co-exist well with the police on all criminal matters on mutual basis. Report all criminal activities to the police and stop protecting criminals. Shun corruption and together we can fight crime and win,” she said.
