Insiza curbs livestock trade to fight stock theft
Source: Insiza curbs livestock trade to fight stock theft – The Southern Eye
INSIZA Rural District Council has banned the buying and selling of livestock for commercial purposes without council permit in a bid to reduce stock theft.
The new measures are contained in Statutory Instrument 132 of 2025 Chapter 29:13, under Insiza Rural District Council (Control of Livestock) By-laws, 2025.
“No person shall buy or sell livestock for commercial purposes— without a permit from council; or except at a livestock sale organised by the council,” Section 4 (1) (a), (b) and section (2) of the by-law read in part.
“At all livestock sales, whether privately organised or organised by a local authority, a cattle levy of 10 percent of the price of each animal sold, shall be collected from every buyer of livestock and the levy shall be distributed as determined by council.”
Under section 5 (1), and (2), no person shall move livestock from a council area to another council area and within the council area without clearance from the police and veterinary office.
“In the case of cattle being moved outside the council area for slaughter, the council shall issue a supporting letter in support of the request before the veterinary services department issues such a movement permit,” Clause (3) and (4) of the by-laws read.
“Council shall refuse to issue a supporting letter if there is evidence that the objective of removal of livestock from the council area is for the purpose of evading levies or marketing fees arising from organised livestock sales.”
Clause (2) and (3) of the by-laws stated that any stray livestock shall be impounded by the council.
“Any person who intends to claim the impounded stock in terms of subsection 1, 2 and 3 shall be charged a penalty prescribed by council,” the by-law read.
“Any unclaimed stock shall be auctioned in terms of the Stock Trespass Act [Chapter 19:14].
“Any person, whether an inhabitant or otherwise, who within the area regulated by these by-laws—dehorns or castrates any stray stock he or she held without having reported to the pound master or whose livestock is found in service or business areas, shall be liable to a fine specified in the Second Schedule.”
The RDC said violating the by-laws attracts penalties of up to US$50.
Several parts of Matabeleland are facing rising cases of stock theft.
The post Insiza curbs livestock trade to fight stock theft appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.