By Takudziridzwa Nyama
The Chiredzi Magistrates’ Court has sentenced two Zimbabwe Republic Police officers, Livingston Musiiwa (37) and Bernard Chirwa (33), to nine years’ imprisonment each for stock theft. The officers were found guilty of unlawfully seizing three cattle from a villager, Silas Jazi, in September 2024.
The court convicted them of stock theft in contravention of Section 114(2)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, after the State proved that they acted unlawfully.
The court heard that in September 2024, while stationed at ZRP Mashoko, the two officers orchestrated the unlawful seizure of three cattle from Mr. Silas Jazi, a villager from Mandebvu, Chegwite area under Chief Gudo in Mkwasine.
One of the cows, a brown hornless heifer, had strayed into Jazi’s herd as far back as 2012 and had since produced offspring. Despite the animal having no police record or “found property” number, the accused claimed it was to be taken for a public auction.
Acting under the instructions of Livingston Musiiwa, two civilians were sent to collect the cattle. They were assisted by Moses Mafichana, who knew the location of the complainant’s homestead. The trio selected and drove away three cattle: a creamish hornless ox, a brown hornless heifer, and a black hornless heifer. The animals were initially penned at Mafichana’s homestead due to nightfall, then moved to Chiranga’s home the next day.
The movement and concealment of the livestock continued until Jokoti informed Musiiwa that the task had been completed. The cattle were never presented for auction, and no formal seizure procedures were followed.
The State proved that the two police officers acted unlawfully, abusing their positions to deprive the rightful custodian of the animals.