The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an intensified nationwide operation targeting stock theft syndicates and the illegal sale of meat, in a renewed effort to curb rising cases involving cattle, goats and sheep theft across the country.
Addressing the development, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation seeks to enforce strict compliance with laws governing the ownership, movement, slaughter and disposal of livestock, as well as the regulation of meat sales in both formal and informal markets.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified a nationwide operation targeting stock theft and the illegal selling of meat,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said police had noted with concern a surge in stock theft cases, particularly involving cattle and goats, where criminal syndicates are stealing livestock from farms and rural communities before slaughtering them and distributing the meat to urban markets.
“The Police has noted with concern reports of stock theft cases, particularly involving cattle and goats in which criminal syndicates are stealing livestock from farms and rural areas before slaughtering the animals and transporting the carcasses to towns, cities and growth points where there is a ready market,” he said.
Investigations, according to the police, have shown that stolen meat is often packed in buckets and containers and transported in vehicle boots or concealed compartments before being sold in streets, open spaces, residential areas, informal markets and even outside supermarkets.
“The meat is then sold along streets, in open spaces, in front of supermarkets, at backyard kitchens, informal markets, residential areas, business centres and directly from vehicle boots,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The ZRP further warned that some butcheries, food outlets and supermarkets were complicit in the illegal trade by sourcing meat from unverified suppliers.
Commissioner Nyathi stressed that all movement of livestock must be backed by valid veterinary permits and police-issued stock clearance certificates.
“All livestock must be physically inspected by veterinary officials and Police before clearance is issued, in order to verify ownership and prevent the movement of stolen stock,” he said.
He added that butchery operators are legally required to maintain proper records showing the source of meat and proof of lawful acquisition, while abattoirs must ensure all livestock has clearance before slaughter.
“The Police will conduct stop-and-search patrols and mount roadblock blitz targeting vehicles, buses and other transporters suspected of carrying illegal meat or stolen livestock,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He warned that inspections of abattoirs, butcheries and food outlets will be intensified, and that offenders including buyers, vendors and transporters will face arrest without fear or favour.
Members of the public were urged to avoid buying meat from unregulated sources and to report suspicious activities through official police channels.
“The sale of meat in undesignated places, including from buckets and vehicle boots, is illegal and poses serious public health risks,” he said.
The police have encouraged citizens to report any suspicious movement of livestock or illegal meat sales through official channels, including the National Complaints Desk, WhatsApp platforms, or by visiting the nearest police station.
