Nkayi villagers accuse police of failing to act on rampant stock theft 

Frustrated villagers in Nkayi, Matabeleland North, have accused local police of failing to act decisively against rampant stock theft, alleging that arrested thieves are mysteriously released from custody.

This has left the community to count their losses while the criminal syndicates operate with impunity.

In an interview with CITE, one villager Thuleleni Nhliziyo said her family lost livestock in September, but the suspects were never held accountable.

“We have a challenge in Ngwaladi. On 10 September, we lost two cows from my homestead and our neighbour’s cows were also stolen. We searched for the cows and found the person who took them, through someone else who was also looking for his livestock,” said Nhliziyo.

“The suspect revealed that the cows were taken to Bulawayo. The police were called and arrested a suspect called Mguni, who led them to Masuku, who also led them to someone else as they work in a chain.”

However, Nhliziyo said the suspects mysteriously disappeared before trial.

“During the court case, Mguni was no longer available. We were told he had a lawyer and was given another court date, but when the next case came, both Mguni and Masuku were no longer in Gwelutshena. We were later told Brighton and Themba were also released,” she said.

She added that when villagers ask to see dockets, details of the arrests are often missing.

Nhliziyo said such incidents have become common in Chief Sikhobokhobo’s area.

“Last year another villager lost his cattle, and when they went to court, they found that the thief they had caught was no longer in the cells. These people are exchanged inside the cells. We know each other, the person is still at home, and we see them,” she said.

Villagers believe a lack of accountability at Gwelutshena Police Station has emboldened offenders.

“We don’t know how the police are working,” said Nhliziyo. “They say the thieves are released to find lawyers. Is this how the law works? We are being abused while the thieves are treated well.”

She called on senior police authorities to intervene.

“We want the person in charge of the police to hear our issue because Gwelutshena has no proper officers. We have no complaints about other crimes, but stock theft suspects are always released. The thieves and the police are taking advantage of the elderly and children,” she said.

Another villager, who requested anonymity, said cattle stolen from their community were later found in Gomoza, but suspects “disappeared” before facing trial.

“The cows were recovered in Gomoza and the thieves apprehended as well, but when the community followed up on the case, they were told the thieves disappeared. How do thieves disappear under police watch? What should the community do then?” she asked.

Country Moyo, from Sivomo and a member of the Azibuye Emaseleni Community Group formed to combat livestock theft, said villagers are no longer issued case numbers when reporting crimes.

“We are appealing for assistance so that these police officers can be changed — we are tired of the current ones,” said Moyo.

Last year, CITE reported how villagers in Sivomo, Nkayi, called for stronger enforcement at police roadblocks to curb the alarming rise in stock theft. Read the full story: https://cite.org.zw/nkayi-villagers-demand-action-as-stock-theft-crisis-escalates/

This year when reached for comment, Village Head Nkululeko Ncube from Ward 8, KoSando, said the situation has eroded community trust in law enforcement.

“The thieves even confess to their crime and the stolen livestock will be there as exhibits. We take them to Gwelutshena police, but the next day we see them walking free. We don’t want to end up taking matters into our own hands, but the police are letting us down,” said Ncube.

He urged authorities to restore order and make sure justice is served.

“As the village head, I can confirm this is happening. We want those who commit crimes to face the law. These people confess, they don’t even deny it. How can we live in peace when the thieves are among us? We are not happy with Gwelutshena police,” he said.

Efforts to reach Matabeleland North Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda, were unsuccessful, as his phone was unavailable for the past two days.