Matrix Private Detectives have successfully recovered 250 stolen chickens following a botched transaction involving counterfeit money, in a case that has raised renewed concern over the rise in rural and peri-urban livestock theft.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred after a suspected buyer attempted to purchase the chickens using fake currency at a designated pick-up point.
The deal reportedly went wrong when the seller noticed irregularities in the notes and alerted authorities. Matrix Private Detectives were then engaged to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen livestock.
Speaking on the development, Matrix Private Detectives spokesperson, Mr. Tendai Mupandawana, confirmed that the chickens had been recovered and returned to their rightful owner.
“Our team acted swiftly after receiving a report of a fraudulent transaction involving counterfeit money. Through coordinated intelligence and surveillance, we managed to locate the pick-up point where the chickens were being kept and recovered all 250 birds before they could be moved or sold,” he said
Mr. Mupandawana said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend the individuals behind the scam.
“We are working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
This incident reflects a growing trend in which criminal syndicates are using fake currency to defraud small-scale farmers and traders. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant when conducting cash transactions,” he said
A source close to the investigation said the suspects had initially arranged the sale through a mobile platform before showing up with what appeared to be large sums of cash.
“The seller only realised later that the money was counterfeit, but by then the chickens had already been handed over. Fortunately, the quick response by Matrix investigators helped avert a total loss,” the source said
The incident highlights the increasing role of private investigation firms in complementing law enforcement efforts amid rising cases of rural-based fraud and stock theft.
