A PROMINENT Gwanda businessman has been arrested over allegations of stocktheft after he was reportedly found in possession of stolen meat in his butchery.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, confirmed the arrest of Rimai Muringa, who was apprehended alongside three other suspects.
“We have been seeking him to clear several stocktheft cases, but certain technicalities delayed the process. They will soon appear in court facing stocktheft charges,” Dube said.
She said Muringa was arrested together with Trymore Nyathi (35) of Todd Cattle Sales, West Nicholson, Dalekhile Dube (36) of Spitzkop, Gwanda, and Mazibeli Ezra (27) of Pepuluza Farm (West Nicholson).
She said the complainant was Qhubekani Ndlovu of Pepuluza Farm in West Nicholson.
“The accused persons set wire snares at Pepuluza Farm and trapped the complainant’s cow, which they slaughtered and sold the meat at Simply Fill Butchery, Nare business centre, Gwanda,” Dube said.
“The matter was discovered on March 21 by a game scouter who came across a carcass and he suspected Nyathi through footprints.”
She said the game ranger interviewed Nyathi, who admitted to setting wire snares and trapping a cow which they slaughtered and sold the meat.
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“He implicated his three accomplices and the matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of the accused persons,” Dube said.
“The four will soon be appearing in court facing stocktheft charges.”
Sources told Southern Eye that Muringa operates a butchery at Spitzkop and that his truck was allegedly used to transport meat from Todds (Inyoni Farm) in Gwanda last week.
“Three beasts were trapped by a snare, one was killed and the meat was transported overnight to Muringa’s business,” the sources
said.
The total value stolen is US$600 and only 87kg of meat, offals and skin were recovered.
Meanwhile, police announced plans to relaunch the Police Client Service Charter in Filabusi, where they will engage local villagers on police services.
