ZRP Midlands Busts Major Cattle Rustling Syndicate

Kwekwe - Midlands Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have busted a suspected notorious stock theft syndicate in Kwekwe, arresting four men, including three from the same family, and recovering a portion of a cattle herd stolen over a three-year period.

The arrests occurred on February 9, 2026, at Mathambeka Village under Chief Sogwala in Lower Gweru, following a police raid triggered by a tip-off that stolen livestock was being gathered for an illegal market.

Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, identified the suspects as Lameck Moyo (38) of Maidza Village under Chief Ntabeni in Redcliff, and three family members from Lower Gweru under Chief Sogwala; Themba Bhebhe (50) Petros Bhebhe (25) and Andrew Bhebhe (29).

Suspect

The syndicate is linked to a series of thefts from three plots at Lyons Farm in Redcliff dating back to April 2023.

Suspect

Police records reveal that 24 cattle valued at US$7,400 were stolen from the three separate plot holders during the period ending January 2026.

Suspect

"After the arrest, Police managed to recover 12 cattle. Out of the twelve [12] cattle recovered, seven [7] of them were positively identified by their owners from Lyons Farm, Redcliff and five [5] cattle are yet to be identified," Inspector Mahoko said.

Irvine Sibanda, who lost eight cattle, identified two; Charles Ndebele identified three of his five missing stock; and Ndakupa Hwai recovered two of the 11 cattle stolen from his plot.

The identified livestock is valued at US$3,750, leaving a significant portion of the total loss still unaccounted for.

"We are calling for people in and around Kwekwe and Redcliff who might have fallen victim to stock thefts to approach Redcliff Police Station," Mahoko said.

"We need the public’s assistance to identify the five remaining animals currently in our custody," he said.

The four suspects remain in police custody pending a court appearance.