By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutasa, 15 January 2026— Police in Mutasa have arrested three men in connection with a stock theft case involving a black bull valued at US$500, stolen from a 75-year-old woman from Mufandaedza Village under Chief Mutasa.
The complainant reported on January 10, 2026, that an unknown suspect had stolen one black bull from her kraal during the night and escaped unnoticed.
Police investigations led to a breakthrough on January 13 after officers received information that a black bull was tied to a tree about 100 metres from a homestead in Nyamhindu Village.
“Acting on the information received, police attended the scene and recovered a bull matching the description of the one reported stolen,” a police source said.
Further searches in the surrounding area revealed scattered animal bones, raising suspicion that the location may have been used as a slaughtering hideout for stolen livestock. This development led to the arrest of Takunda Banda (29), a domestic worker at Farm 58, Tsonzo, Mutasa.
“Upon interrogation, the first suspect implicated a second accused person who operates a butchery at Watsomba Business Centre,” the police source said.
The second suspect, Farai John Patika (45), was arrested and allegedly implicated Donemore Kahlari (32) of Manyangadze Village, leading to his subsequent arrest.
“The swift recovery of the stolen animal demonstrates the effectiveness of police investigations and the importance of information from members of the public,” the police source added.
The recovered bull was positively identified by its owner. Police confirmed that the total value involved is US$500 and that all the stolen property was recovered.
“The suspects are also being investigated in connection with other stock theft cases where cattle are believed to have been slaughtered and deboned,” the police source said.
Police have urged communities to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies, saying timely reporting and shared information remain critical in the fight against stock theft in rural areas.