Harare — A PROMINENT farmer and businessman here has admitted to stealing and selling 48 cattle to fugitive businessman James Makamba's wife.

However, Collins Boka's three co-accused, who include a policeman, have denied the charges.

Boka (34), of March Farm, this week pleaded guilty to nine counts of stocktheft and has been remanded in custody pending his sentencing.

Steven Masiyazi (25), Knowledge Zaranyika and policeman Frank Masiye (22) pleaded not guilty to the charges before a Marondera magistrate.

The court heard that between January and October last year, the four connived to steal the beasts from Shungu Sekeramayi.

On nine occasions, the four stole the cattle which they sold to Irene Makamba at Blue Ridge Farm in Goromonzi.

Only 12 beasts were recovered while police also confiscated two vehicles -- a Toyota Mark II Chaser and a Mazda truck -- Boka had bought from the proceeds of selling the cattle.

Testifying in court on Tuesday, Sekeramayi told provincial magistrate Ms Sithuthukile Sibanda that every month they dip their cattle before counting them.

"By October a total of 48 beasts were missing and I made a report to Marondera Rural Police, which led to the recovery of some of the cattle at Blue Ridge Farm, while some were recovered at Mr Richard Mavhunga's farm in Marondera," he said.

He said he was able to identify his cattle because of their branding.

Zaranyika (the policeman) admitted clearing 35 cattle for Boka after being shown his stock cards.

Masiye also insisted he was just an employee.

He said when he questioned Boka on the number of cattle being taken to Makamba's farm, his employer bought him two television sets and gave him US$100.

Ms Sibanda remanded the trio in custody to next Tuesday when the State is expected to call more witnesses.

Mr Evans Katsvairo is prosecuting.

The case comes amid reports that stocktheft cases countrywide have dropped slightly to 654 in January this year compared to 721 reported during the same period last year.

Last month, police arrested 205 suspected cattle rustlers as compared to 176 last year.

The decrease is attributed to mechanisms police had put in place since the end of last year, declaring war on cattle rustlers.

Asst Comm Dumbura said the public also contributed to the decline as they provided crucial information leading to the arrest of some of the criminals.

"Supplying of information to the police by the public improved and we would also want to applaud them for playing this big role," he said.

The business community, he added, also took heed of police warnings to desist from buying stolen beasts as they were promoting such activities.

Stocktheft had become rampant over the past few years prompting police to form the Anti-Stock Theft Unit.

Several suspects have been arrested and many cattle recovered countrywide.

In December last year, police in Gweru arrested two suspected cattle rustlers and recovered a herd of 190 cattle reportedly stolen in and around the town.

By The Herald