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Stock, car thefts rise in Masvingo

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Police in Masvingo have expressed concern over the increase in reported cases of livestock and motor vehicle theft which went up 12% in 2012 compared to the previous year.

MASVINGO — Police in Masvingo have expressed concern over the increase in reported cases of livestock and motor vehicle theft which went up 12% in 2012 compared to the previous year.

Report by Tatenda Chitagu

Speaking at a Cottco-funded Cop of the Year Awards ceremony held in the city last week, Officer Commanding Masvingo province Senior Assistant Commissioner Munorwei Shava Matutu described the increase as “a major disappointment”.

“It is disappointing to mention that increases were observed in theft from motor vehicles cases and stock theft. “Stock theft cases increased by 12% while theft of motor vehicles rose to 196 in 2012 as compared to 52 cases the previous year,” Matutu said.

He, however, said the overall crime rate in the province had dropped by 3%.

“Overall, the province recorded 19 702 cases from January to December 2012 when compared to 20 387 the previous year, giving a 3% decline. “Major decreases were recorded in murder cases which went down 25%, robbery 14% and theft 11%.”

In recent years, Masvingo recorded the highest crime figures in the country.