ZRP Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Stock Theft and Illegal Meat Trade

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide crackdown targeting stock theft syndicates and the illegal sale of meat, amid growing concern over rising livestock crime and public health risks. In a statement issued on Tuesday, police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the operation will enforce strict compliance with laws governing the ownership, movement, slaughter, and sale of livestock, including cattle, goats, and sheep.

Nyathi said police investigations have uncovered organised criminal networks stealing livestock from farms and rural communities before illegally slaughtering the animals and distributing the meat in urban and peri-urban markets.

“The Police have noted with concern reports of stock theft cases, particularly involving cattle and goats… where syndicates are stealing livestock, slaughtering the animals and transporting the meat to towns and cities where there is a ready market,” he said.

Authorities revealed that stolen meat is often concealed in buckets or containers and transported in vehicle boots or hidden compartments before being sold across informal channels.

Police say the illicit meat is being sold in:

• Open spaces and street corners

• In front of supermarkets

• Backyard kitchens and informal markets

• Residential areas and business centres

• Directly from the vehicle boots

Nyathi warned that some registered businesses are also implicated.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police further notes that some butcheries, food outlets, and even established supermarkets are contributing to this illegal trade by purchasing meat from unverified and illegal suppliers,” he said.

Under the intensified operation, police will ensure that:

• Livestock movement is supported by valid veterinary permits

• Stock clearance certificates are obtained from the police

• Animals are physically inspected by veterinary officials and police

• Abattoirs only slaughter livestock with proper documentation

“Butchery operators are required by law to maintain registers showing the source of meat, including supplier details and proof of lawful acquisition,” Nyathi said.

Failure to comply will result in arrest and prosecution.

The crackdown will include:

• Stop-and-search patrols and roadblock blitz operations

• Inspections of registered and illegal abattoirs

• Monitoring of butcheries, vendors, and food outlets

• Checks on transporters suspected of carrying illegal meat

Authorities say the measures are aimed at dismantling supply chains linked to stock theft and protecting consumers.

Nyathi stressed that the illegal sale of meat, particularly from buckets, open spaces, and vehicles, poses serious health risks. Unregulated meat may:

• Bypass veterinary inspection

• Be contaminated or improperly stored

• Exposes consumers to disease

Members of the public have been urged to only purchase meat from verified and licensed suppliers.

Police issued a stern warning that anyone involved in the illegal livestock and meat trade, including transporters, buyers, vendors, and business operators, will face arrest.

“Individuals and entities found violating stock theft laws and public health regulations will be arrested without fear or favour,” Nyathi said.

Stock theft remains a major economic threat in Zimbabwe, particularly for rural farmers who rely on livestock for income and food security. Authorities say the crackdown is necessary to:

• Safeguard farmers’ livelihoods

• Protect consumers

• Restore order in the meat supply chain

ZRP stock theft crackdown