NGO moves to curb livestock theft
Shire Valley Transformation Movement executive director John Seda has said they will mount checkpoints on roads to intercept people stealing livestock from Chikwawa and Nsanje districts.
The move follows reports of rampant theft of cattle, goats and sheep in the Shire Valley districts.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Seda said they want to curb theft of livestock because it impoverishes farmers who raise the animals.
He said they will construct offices at Thomu in Traditional Authority (T/A) Lundu in Chikwawa and at Mbenje in T/A Ngabu in Nsanje.
Said Seda: “Farmers have been losing their animals for a long time. Sadly, when thieves are caught, they go scot free, even after reporting the matter to police or court.
“For instance, we presented names of seven cattle rustlers to court but they were not prosecuted.”
He said youths will work with police, community policing members and farmers to enhance security in the two districts.
When asked, Nchalo first grade magistrate John Somba confirmed having received a copy of the names of suspected cattle rustlers but declined to comment further.
Paul Cholomali, a lead farmer at Kamondo Village in Senior Chief Ngabu in Chikwawa pledged to work with the youth to protect their animals.
Chikwawa district animal health and development officer Patrick Makombola said a lot of animals were being stolen in the district.
He said: “There is a need to curb theft of animals because farmers are afraid of raising animals. We need this organisation because the initiative will benefit from their venture.”
