By Crime and Courts Reporter — Police in Beitbridge have dismantled a 12-member cattle rustling syndicate that had been terrorising local farmers for over a year.
Twelve suspects have been arrested in connection with the syndicate, including six alleged cattle rustlers, five meat buyers from Beitbridge town, and a transporter.
The gang is believed to have slaughtered dozens of cattle during their crime spree. So far, detectives have linked them to the theft and illegal slaughter of 41 cattle.
Acting police officer commanding Beitbridge district, Superintendent Philisani Ndebele, said the breakthrough came after a tip-off from the public.
“We reacted to information from members of the public and arrested meat vendors. They led us to five suspects who were in the habit of stealing cattle and supplying them.
During further investigations, we arrested another suspect and their transporter,” said Supt Ndebele.
He said fresh carcasses and skulls were recovered from various bushy sites around Beitbridge town.
“In total, we have recovered carcasses, skulls, and meat from 41 cattle. Some have been positively identified by their owners. We urge anyone with missing or stolen livestock to come forward to the main police station for identification,” he added.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the syndicate is linked to other reported stock theft cases.
Supt Ndebele appealed to the public to report all cases of stock theft and share any information that could help police track down criminals.
Separately, four suspects were arrested in connection with the theft of 47 goats in the Shashe area, with 24 goats recovered in the Tshituripasi area.
Source: Zimeye
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