By Portia Sigauke, Own Correspondent
Zimbabwe, Harare. (News Of The South) – At least 2 993 cattle have been stolen throughout the country this year against 5 377 last year, Zimbabwean police have warned that they will deal ruthlessly with the agents fueling the thefts.
Speaking on the sidelines of a national anti-stock theft stakeholders meeting in Chitungwizaon Tuesday, Zimbabwe Republic Police senior assistant commissioner Bernard Dumbura said despite the decrease in stock theft there are still challenges of indiscipline in the livestock and meat industry.
“ Most of our butcheries and abattoirs have been found wanting in this area, a lot of unscrupulous acts of either commission or omission which amount to corruption have engulfed our abattoirs which get involved in illegal activities for selfish gains.”
Dumbura expressed displeasure with the way livestock clearance and vet animal movement permits are being handled as some abattoirs are accepting stolen livestock.
“The ZRP anti stock Theft Unit continues to record its displeasure in the way livestock clearance and Vet Animal Movement Permits are being handled.
“It is sad and disturbing to note that some abattoirs and butcheries are accepting stolen livestock while the transportation of livestock is being done without proper paper work clearance procedures”.
He said the fight against stock theft should be reinforced by all stakeholders in various communities to ensure socio-economic growth targets.
“It is against this background that the fight against stock theft should be reinforced by the participation of all stakeholders ,the business community , traditional leaders and the general citizenry if the country is to realize its socio- economic growth.”
He said some have been using the passenger carrying vehicles to transport meat and thereby breaching Section 33 of S.I.50/95 of the public health regulations which stipulates that; vehicles or containers used to transport carcasses (meat) from meat houses shall:
“Have an impervious and non-corrodible lining which cannot affect the organoleptic character of the product or render it harmful to human health.
The unit has warned citizens to do away with illegal livestock and meat agents as they are not contributing to the discus saying these people are economic saboteurs and cannot be left off the hook.
In the year 2012, there were 5 500 reported stock theft cases, compared to 4 616 in 2013, translating to a 16 percent decrease.
Comments
About Author
