Two Chiredzi police officers who conspired to seize three stray cattle from a villager under the pretence of auctioning them have been sentenced to an effective nine years in prison.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), Livingston Musiiwa (37) and Bernard Chirwa (33) appeared before the Chiredzi Magistrates Court and were convicted of stock theft.
“In September 2024, while stationed at ZRP Mashoko, the two police officers orchestrated the unlawful seizure of three cattle from Mr Silas Jazi, a villager from Mandebvu, Chegwite area under Chief Gudo in Mkwasine,” said the NPA.
“One of the cows had strayed into Jazi’s herd as far back as 2012 and had since produced an offspring. Despite the animal having no police record or ‘found property’ number, the accused claimed it was to be taken for public auction.”
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The duo enlisted the help of three civilians who assisted in collecting the cattle from Mr Jazi.
“The group selected the cattle from Jazi’s herd and penned them at a nearby village. The cattle were then moved the following day to another villager, identified only as Chiranga.
“The movement and concealment of the livestock continued, and the animals were never presented for auction. Proper seizure procedures were not followed.
“The State proved that the two police officers acted unlawfully, abusing their positions to deprive the rightful owner of the animals.”
