Police have issued a stern warning to unscrupulous individuals in the meat industry and the general public who facilitate cattle rustling by providing markets for stolen livestock. The warning comes after recent arrests of cattle rustlers in Chegutu.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera revealed that Chegutu police arrested Gilbert Phiri, 35, and Edwin Maruma, 25, for stock theft. Acting on a tip-off from the public, police raided Phiri’s residence, where they found 10kg of beef, knuckle bones, and a hindquarter hidden under his bed. Additional beef and a scale were also discovered in his fridge.
Following interviews, Phiri led police to Maruma, who was found with more stolen meat at his residence, including 14kg of beef and a three-quarter carcass. Maruma and an accomplice named Tawanda allegedly used their vehicles to transport stolen carcasses to their homes for sale.
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Inspector Kohwera stated that the suspects have been linked to 12 stock theft cases in the Chegutu, Selous, and Norton areas. A vehicle used in the crimes was seized by police as evidence. Kohwera praised community members for their vigilance and appealed for information on the whereabouts of other suspects, Innocent Mbaimbai and Tawanda, urging the public to report to the nearest police station.
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