Tinotenda Hove – A 39-year-old man from Hwange, Trust Maphosa, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after being convicted of stock theft, following the theft and slaughter of five pigs belonging to a neighbour in Lwendulu Village.

The incident occurred on December 21, 2024, when Maphosa unlawfully entered the pigsty of Tyson Mutale and stole five ear-tagged female pigs. He immediately slaughtered three of the pigs at the scene. When confronted by Mutale, Maphosa falsely claimed ownership of the livestock.

The stolen pigs were each valued at US$138, amounting to a total loss of US$690 (ZWG20,700). None of the animals or meat was recovered.

Maphosa was arrested and appeared before the Hwange Magistrates’ Court, where he was found guilty of stock theft. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, with six months suspended for five years on condition of good behavior. Another six months were suspended on the condition that he pays full restitution of ZWG20,700 to the complainant, resulting in an effective 12-month custodial sentence.

Authorities have reiterated that livestock theft is a serious crime with significant impact on families, local economies, and food security. Community members are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.

#NoToStockTheft #ProtectLivelihoods #CommunitySecurity