Published by the government of Zimbabwe
18 September 2008
Harare — TWELVE more butcheries and three abattoirs have been closed for operating without licences and failing to meet health standards while a total of 623 people have been arrested since the launch of Operation Eradicate Cattle Rustlers Market Number 9.
The operation being conducted countrywide was launched last week and is meant to curb cattle rustling and other crimes related to stock theft.
Of the 623 people arrested so far, 80 were for stock theft and 523 for stock theft related cases, including flouting the Public Health Act, selling uninspected meat and illegal food vending.
Police yesterday said there has been a notable decrease in cases of stock theft since the launch of the operation.
Anti-stock theft coordinator Assistant Commissioner Bernard Dumbura yesterday said since last week, 58 cattle, 41 goats, 70 chicken, seven carcasses and 1 317kg of uninspected meat had been recovered.
"The meat has since been condemned by health officials for being unfit for human consumption," he said.
Asst Comm Dumbura said two vehicles were impounded in Manicaland and Matabeleland South province after they were used to commit stock theft cases while 103,6 kg of copper wire were recovered at a roadblock in Matabeleland North province.
"We continue to appeal to the general public to co-operate with our officers engaged in this operation.
"The successes being recorded are as a result of the vital information, which we continue to receive from the public," he said.
Asst Comm Dumbura said people can also use suggestion boxes, ZRP anti-stock theft toll free number -- 0800 4217 or to make a report at any nearest police station.
Last week, police closed 16 butcheries for operating without licences and arrested 149 people for stock theft related cases under the operation.
They also recovered 13 cattle, eight goats, 58 chickens, seven carcasses and 529 kg of uninspected meat.
Of the 149 arrested, 29 were cattle rustlers while 120 others were nabbed for stock theft related cases, selling uninspected meat and illegal food vending.
Operation Eradicate Cattle Rustlers Market Number 9 is targeting illegal meat markets, food outlets, butcheries, abattoirs and the farming community.
Police are visiting such places checking on stock registers, livestock movement permits and clearance certificates to ensure that where transactions are done, would be in compliance with the laws of the country.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 The Herald. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
