Stock theft surges in Central Province
By Thandizo Banda
CENTRAL Province has recorded a sharp increase in stock theft cases in the last three days, with police saying suspected cattle rustlers are using stolen motor vehicles to move stolen animals.
Central Province police commanding officer Lemekani Chirwa said investigations were underway to apprehend those behind the crimes.
In the first incident reported on Wednesday around 15:50 hours at Chisamba Police Station, Patrick Ndeleki, 24, reported on behalf of his father that three cows valued at K55,000 had been stolen from Ndeleki Farm.
“Farm manager Patrick Hamalila discovered the kraal wire had been cut and a count revealed three cattle missing. On Sunday, police found a suspected slaughter scene with blood stains, cow dung, animal skin and an ear tag. No arrests have been made,” Chirwa said.
The second case was reported on Wednesday at 12:15 hours at Mumbwa Police Station by Fredrick Lukunko, 48, of Village Mwankala.
“He reported that two brown unbranded cattle worth K35,000 were stolen from his kraal between 02:00 hours and 04:00 hours on 15th July. A search led to the recovery of two carcasses cut into pieces about three kilometres from his home. Police also recovered a silver RAV4, Reg No. AJC 4873, abandoned 30 metres from the slaughter point with three stainless steel knives and a blood-stained knife in a sack,” Chirwa said.
Investigations established that the recovered RAV4 is linked to a motor vehicle theft reported on Wednesday at Mumbwa Police Station.
“Mushota Kalonga, 39, reported that his silver Toyota RAV4, Reg No. ANC 4875 valued at K175,000, was stolen at Kalwa Bar by Lubinda Lubinda, 42. The vehicle was later found abandoned at the stock theft scene in Mwankala. It was earlier reported stolen at 01:30 hours,” said Chirwa.
He said the recovery of the stolen vehicle at a scene of slaughter suggested a possible connection between motor vehicle theft and organised stock theft in the province.
“Dockets have been opened and investigations have been instituted. No arrests have been effected yet,” Chirwa said.
The recovered vehicle is parked at Mumbwa Police Station awaiting identification.
Police have intensified patrols around kraals and major cattle routes as investigations continue.
