A Muslim Imam and two farm workers have been arrested in Headlands over the alleged theft and sale of eight cattle belonging to an 84-year-old farmer, with fou...
A Muslim Imam and two farm workers have been arrested in Headlands over the alleged theft and sale of eight cattle belonging to an 84-year-old farmer, with four of the animals allegedly slaughtered to provide meat for worshippers.
The suspects are Brian Chibanda, 30, Nomatter Isaac, 36, and Imam Privilege Mapiko, 47.
According to police, Chibanda and Isaac were employed as farm workers at Plot 8 Lawrencedale in Headlands, where the cattle belonging to farmer Edward Solomon Makoni were kept.
Manicaland acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the two farm workers allegedly took advantage of Makoni’s prolonged absence from the farm and connived with Mapiko, an Imam at Mai Rasy Business Centre Mosque in Headlands.
Police allege that on May 25, Chibanda and Isaac stole four oxen and sold them to Mapiko.
The four cattle were allegedly slaughtered during a gathering at the mosque, with the meat distributed among Muslims who were present.
Police further allege that the two farm workers continued stealing cattle from the farm and selling them to different buyers during July and August.
In July, they allegedly sold a grey heifer to Samson Mukonyora of Fairfield 25 in Headlands and a brown hornless bull to Rachel Willson of Goromonzi.
Another brown heifer was allegedly stolen and sold to Chipo Chifamba of Rosedale Farm in Headlands in August.
The case came to light on September 21, after police received information from an informer, Peter Ngoni Makoni, who alleged that cattle were being stolen from the farm.
Police then used the informer as a potential buyer and arranged a meeting with Chibanda at Headlands Business Centre before proceeding to the farm.
Officers posing as buyers allegedly purchased a brown heifer for US$200.
As the animal was being driven towards Headlands, other police officers intercepted the group and arrested Chibanda. The cattle were recovered and returned to Makoni’s farm.
Police subsequently proceeded to Rosedale Farm, where Isaac was arrested.
In the early hours of September 22, police recovered the grey heifer from Mukonyora at Fairfield 25.
Mapiko was later arrested after being implicated by his co-accused.
According to police, Mapiko admitted that the four oxen had been slaughtered during the gathering.
Officers also recovered the brown heifer allegedly sold to Chifamba at Rosedale Farm.
The three suspects are expected to face charges relating to the alleged theft and sale of the cattle.
Police have urged livestock owners to remain vigilant, particularly when leaving their farms unattended for extended periods.
Chinyoka also urged members of the public to report suspicious movements involving livestock and warned people against purchasing cattle without verifying their ownership.
The case remains before the courts, and the allegations against the suspects have not yet been tested in court.
