Stock theft surges in Masvingo

SAMUEL NJINGA in MASVINGO

Stock theft has become a growing menace in Masvingo province, with Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts emerging as the epicentres of the crisis.

Police say the spike has crippled rural livelihoods and disrupted livestock markets, prompting a province-wide crackdown on the criminal syndicates driving the scourge.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) provincial spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed during Hevoi FM’s Crime Watch programme that Masvingo has recorded a sharp increase in livestock theft cases. He said police have launched intelligence-driven operations and heightened patrols in rural hotspots to stem the tide.

“We have noted an upsurge in stock theft cases, particularly in Mwenezi and Chiredzi. Our teams are on the ground conducting targeted operations and engaging communities to curb the menace,” said Inspector Dhewa.

He urged villagers to remain vigilant and to report suspicious vehicles or strangers seen moving livestock at night. According to Inspector Dhewa, most of the stolen animals are being driven to neighbouring districts or slaughtered for illegal meat sales.

Police records show that Masvingo continues to rank among the top provinces for stock theft. Between late 2024 and early 2025, over 400 cases were reported, leading to more than 200 arrests. Many of the thefts occurred in isolated areas where farmers keep unbranded cattle and kraals lack security.

The impact has been severe. In communities such as Rutenga, Malipati and Chikombedzi, cattle serve as the main store of wealth and a critical source of income. Their loss directly undermines families’ ability to pay school fees, purchase farming inputs, or respond to emergencies. Farmers who spoke to Business Times said the wave of thefts has instilled fear, forcing them to pen animals earlier than usual and take turns guarding kraals overnight.

Experts attribute the resurgence to a mix of economic and structural factors — deepening rural poverty, porous borders, weak livestock identification systems and organised criminal syndicates that move stolen cattle through informal markets. A 2024 rural security study found that semi-arid districts such as Mwenezi are particularly vulnerable due to limited policing resources and the economic desperation of would-be offenders.

Inspector Dhewa said police are now working closely with traditional leaders, veterinary officers and Rural District Councils to enhance branding, strengthen community watch groups and expand surveillance efforts. Several blitz operations across the province this year have already led to the recovery of stolen livestock and the arrest of suspects believed to be part of cross-district crime rings.

“We are intensifying intelligence-led policing and community awareness campaigns. Farmers must ensure their cattle are branded and kraals secured. Community vigilance remains key,” he said.

The ZRP has also partnered with local radio stations such as Hevoi FM to raise awareness and provide real-time crime updates. Through the broadcasts, police are urging livestock buyers to demand proper ownership documents before purchasing animals — a measure aimed at disrupting illegal trade networks.

However, analysts caution that enforcement alone will not eradicate stock theft.

Sustainable solutions, they argue, must include improving rural livelihoods, establishing traceable livestock markets and strengthening cross-border coordination to intercept stolen herds.