Villagers in Nkayi, Matabeleland North, are fed up with the local police’s handling of stock theft cases, according to a report by CITE. They claim that arrested thieves are often mysteriously released from custody, leaving the community to deal with the losses. Thuleleni Nhliziyo, a villager, shared her family’s experience with CITE, saying they lost livestock in September, and although the police arrested a suspect, the individual “disappeared” before trial.
This is not an isolated incident, and villagers are frustrated with the lack of accountability at Gwelutshena Police Station. They believe the police are not doing enough to address stock theft, and arrested suspects are often released without explanation. The community is also concerned about the “mysterious disappearances” of suspects who are arrested and charged with stock theft, leaving them to wonder how this is possible.
The villagers are calling for action, with Country Moyo, a member of the Azibuye Emaseleni Community Group, urging that the police officers at Gwelutshena Police Station be replaced. They are also urging senior police authorities to intervene and address the issue of stock theft in their community. The community wants to see justice served and for the police to take stock theft cases seriously in order to restore trust in law enforcement.
The situation has eroded community trust in law enforcement, with villagers feeling that the police are not taking stock theft seriously. As one villager said, “How can we live in peace when the thieves are among us?” The community is demanding change and action to address the issue of stock theft and restore trust in the police.
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