MARTIN MAWAYA
KWEKWE-Police in Midlands have busted a suspected notorious stock theft syndicate operating between Redcliff and Lower Gweru, arresting four men and recovering 12 cattle in a dramatic raid following a tip-off.
The Midlands province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects are linked to the theft of 24 cattle worth US$7 400 from three plot holders at Lyons Farm in Redcliff over a period stretching from April 2023 to January 2026.
The suspects, Lameck Moyo (38) of Village Maidza under Chief Ntabeni, Redcliff, and Themba Bhebhe (50), Petros Bhebhe (25) and Andrew Bhebhe (29), all of Village Mathambekha under Chief Sogwala in Lower Gweru.
The four were arrested on Monday following a police reaction to information that cattle were being assembled for sale at Village Mathambekha.
“Police received information to the effect that there were cattle being gathered for the market at Village Mathambekha under Chief Sogwala, Lower Gweru. Acting on the tip-off, officers swiftly moved in and arrested the four suspects,” Mahoko said.
Upon arrest, detectives recovered 12 cattle believed to be part of the stolen herd.
Of these, seven were positively identified by their rightful owners from Lyons Farm, while five are yet to be claimed.
Irvine Sibanda, who lost eight cattle, identified two from the recovered herd.
Charles Ndebele positively identified three of the five beasts stolen from him, while Ndakupa Hwai, who had 11 cattle stolen, positively identified two.
The seven identified cattle are valued at US$3 750.
Police have since appealed to members of the public in Kwekwe and surrounding areas, particularly Redcliff, who may have fallen victim to stock theft, to report to Redcliff Police Station to assist in identifying the remaining cattle.
Stock theft has become a growing menace in parts of Midlands province, with farmers suffering heavy financial losses and rural livelihoods under threat.
Authorities say investigations are continuing and more arrests could follow as police tighten the net on organised cattle rustling syndicates.
