News
By Priscilla Mafa
Villagers in the Chief Mafala area have raised concern over increasing cases of livestock theft, particularly involving donkeys, which they say are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Community members allege that suspected thieves are targeting donkeys before cutting off their ears in an attempt to make identification difficult.
“We are losing our donkeys almost every week and this is affecting our livelihoods because we rely on them for transport and farming activities,” said one villager.
Another resident said the situation has left many families living in fear.
“It is now difficult to trace stolen donkeys because the thieves are cutting off their ears. We are appealing to the police to assist us and intensify patrols in the area,” the resident said.
Speaking during the traditional leaders training on GBV, villagers appealed to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Anti-Stock Theft Unit to urgently intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Residents said donkeys play a critical role in rural communities, especially in transporting water, firewood, farming inputs, and agricultural produce.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Zvishavane station Anti-Stock Theft unit Constable Maresa has urged members of the public to safeguard their livestock and report suspicious activities without delay.
“We encourage members of the public to work closely with police and report any suspicious activities related to stock theft. Livestock owners should also ensure their animals are properly secured at all times,” she said.
Police warned that stock theft continues to pose serious economic challenges in rural communities and said investigations into the reported cases are underway.
Community members allege that suspected thieves are targeting donkeys before cutting off their ears in an attempt to make identification difficult.
“We are losing our donkeys almost every week and this is affecting our livelihoods because we rely on them for transport and farming activities,” said one villager.
Another resident said the situation has left many families living in fear.
“It is now difficult to trace stolen donkeys because the thieves are cutting off their ears. We are appealing to the police to assist us and intensify patrols in the area,” the resident said.
Speaking during the traditional leaders training on GBV, villagers appealed to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Anti-Stock Theft Unit to urgently intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Residents said donkeys play a critical role in rural communities, especially in transporting water, firewood, farming inputs, and agricultural produce.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Zvishavane station Anti-Stock Theft unit Constable Maresa has urged members of the public to safeguard their livestock and report suspicious activities without delay.
“We encourage members of the public to work closely with police and report any suspicious activities related to stock theft. Livestock owners should also ensure their animals are properly secured at all times,” she said.
Police warned that stock theft continues to pose serious economic challenges in rural communities and said investigations into the reported cases are underway.
Published
May 21, 2026 at 7:50 AM
