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By Priscilla Mafa
A 30-year-old Zvishavane man has been sentenced to an effective nine years in prison after being convicted of stock theft involving seven cattle stolen from an elderly villager.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Ishmael Sibanda was convicted by the Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court following the theft, which occurred on 29 May 2026 at Village Madhobhi under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane.
The court heard that Sibanda targeted the kraal of 85-year-old Enos Shiri and stole seven cattle during the night. The theft was discovered the following morning at around 6 a.m. when the complainant found the kraal gates wide open and his livestock missing.
Two of the stolen cattle later returned to the owner’s homestead on their own the following evening. Investigations revealed that the offender had allegedly stuffed cow dung into the bell of one of the animals in an attempt to muffle the sound and avoid detection while moving the herd.
Acting on a tip-off, police officers accompanied the complainant to the suspect’s homestead at Village Jani under Chief Mazvihwa, about 40 kilometres away. Four of the remaining stolen cattle were recovered grazing in the yard.
Prosecutors told the court that the accused had attempted to disguise the animals by cutting the ends of their horns to alter their appearance. The stolen cattle were valued at US$2,800, with livestock worth US$2,400 successfully recovered.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence, saying it reflects the seriousness with which Zimbabwean courts continue to treat stock theft offences.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of stock theft to law enforcement agencies to help protect livestock and safeguard rural livelihoods,” the NPAZ said.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of stock theft to law enforcement agencies to help safeguard livestock and strengthen rural livelihoods.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Ishmael Sibanda was convicted by the Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court following the theft, which occurred on 29 May 2026 at Village Madhobhi under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane.
The court heard that Sibanda targeted the kraal of 85-year-old Enos Shiri and stole seven cattle during the night. The theft was discovered the following morning at around 6 a.m. when the complainant found the kraal gates wide open and his livestock missing.
Two of the stolen cattle later returned to the owner’s homestead on their own the following evening. Investigations revealed that the offender had allegedly stuffed cow dung into the bell of one of the animals in an attempt to muffle the sound and avoid detection while moving the herd.
Acting on a tip-off, police officers accompanied the complainant to the suspect’s homestead at Village Jani under Chief Mazvihwa, about 40 kilometres away. Four of the remaining stolen cattle were recovered grazing in the yard.
Prosecutors told the court that the accused had attempted to disguise the animals by cutting the ends of their horns to alter their appearance. The stolen cattle were valued at US$2,800, with livestock worth US$2,400 successfully recovered.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence, saying it reflects the seriousness with which Zimbabwean courts continue to treat stock theft offences.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of stock theft to law enforcement agencies to help protect livestock and safeguard rural livelihoods,” the NPAZ said.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of stock theft to law enforcement agencies to help safeguard livestock and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Published
July 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM
