By Titos Makondo
A war against stock theft has been launched in the southern parts of Chiredzi district, where farmers live in fear of losing their cattle to thieves.
“Cattle rustlers will be slapped with double punishment from both the judiciary and communal court,” announced Chief Chilonga during the recent anti-stock theft campaign held by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and traditional authorities at his homestead in Chilonga, Chiredzi.
Chief Chilonga said this in support of the ZRP Officer Commanding Chiredzi District, Robert Chihwerera’s idea that police and the community need to work together to combat stock theft.
“Stock theft convicts will face a prison sentence plus an extra punishment from the traditional court. When you return from jail, we shall drag you to the communal court for an additional sentence.” he declared.
Asked for a comment, Chiredzi South Ward 11 councilor Urombo Makolo said it’s like that when someone is convicted by the communal court and later transfered to judiciary court.
“If you are caught on the wrong side of the law you are likely to face double punishment. One may be lucky if reported and arrested by the police but if you are caught by the locals and later report you to the chief, then you will be in trouble.”
However, Ward 6 councilor Happious Chikhutu stressed that this approach will be effective in combating stock theft and other sorts of crime, only if it can be conducted transparently, without corruption and favouritism.
