By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged traditional leaders in Beitbridge to play an active role in combating stock theft authorities say has become a growing concern in rural communities.
Speaking during the Traditional Leaders Capacity Building Workshop at Beitbridge on Friday, Beitbridge Rural Officer in Charge Inspector Takaidza Julius encouraged traditional leaders to establish anti-stock theft teams made up of trustworthy community members in their villages .
“Traditional leaders should select reliable members of the community to form anti-stock theft teams in their villages. These individuals should then be brought to the police for vetting and clearance so that we can work together in protecting livestock,” he said.
He also urged the leaders to advocate for the introduction and enforcement of by-laws that prohibit the transportation of livestock at night, saying such measures would help reduce cases of theft.
“There is need for strong community by-laws that prohibit the movement of livestock during the night. These regulations should be enforced by the anti-stock theft teams working together with local leadership,” he added.
Inspector Julius also raised concern over a disturbing trend where minors are being involved in stock theft.
“We are now seeing a worrying trend where children under the age of 18 are being involved in stock theft. Since January, five juveniles have already been arrested in connection with such cases,” he said.
He appealed to chiefs and headmen to ensure that parents take responsibility for the actions of their children instead of leaving the matter entirely to law enforcement.
“Parents must be held accountable for the behaviour of their children. When families take responsibility, it will help instill discipline and restore the spirit of ubuntu in our communities,” he said.
Inspector Julius also warned community members against keeping stray domestic animals, saying doing so could be regarded as stock theft.
“If anyone finds a stray domestic animal, they must report it to the police. We will assist in locating the owner. If the owner is not found after three months, the animal will be handed over to the Rural District Council for auction,” he said.
He further encouraged livestock owners to register their animals, apply personalised brand marks and regularly check their herds.
“Farmers must brand and register their livestock, regularly count their animals and report any missing stock promptly so that police can act quickly and increase chances of recovery,” he said.
Stocktheft, particularly of goats, is a rampant and critical issue in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, with livestock production being a key economic activity at the household level.
Of late cases where livestock is driven across the Limpopo River to South Africa have increased.
Goats fetch three times their local cost when sold in Soth Africa and that has become an incentive for cross border rustling.
The workshop brought together traditional leaders from across Beitbridge district to strengthen the capacity of traditional leaders to effectively manage community issues and contribute to sustainable rural development.