Chikwawa Council decries livestock theft

Chikwawa district agricultural development officer Donald Ghambi has expressed concern with theft of livestock.

He expressed the sentiments in the district on Saturday during a meeting with police and agriculture stakeholders.

“We will soon introduce livestock committees in all extension planning areas which will be working with village agriculture committees to protect livestock,” said Ghambi.

Chikwawa Police Station officer-in-charge Francis Chisaka said they engaged agriculture officers to map the way forward regarding the rampart theft of livestock in the district.

“We have enhanced security in the district to prevent thieves from transporting animals from the district,” he said.

Mikalango Extension Planning Area development officer George Chilumpha said the meeting encouraged farmers to protect their animals.

“Most thieves sneak through the border into Mozambique, as such, farmers should always be vigilant,” he said.

Group village head Sande of Traditional Authority Maseya blamed the police and the court for releasing the suspects.

In response, Chikwawa first grade magistrate Gladstone Chilundu assured livestock farmers that the law will not spare anyone caught stealing cattle or goats.

Police statistics show that at least 200 heads of cattle and 400 goats are stolen in Chikwawa monthly.