A police officer stationed at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Tsholotsho has been arrested and remanded in custody for allegedly stealing eighteen head of cattle in a case that has shocked both the law enforcement community and local residents.
Alex Nyashanu, 34, appeared before Plumtree Magistrates’ Court on charges relating to stock theft, a crime that carries severe penalties under Zimbabwean law. He was remanded in custody by Magistrate Joshua Nembaware until September 30, pending further investigation.
The state, represented by Prosecutor Sheila Nyathi, told the court that sometime in August, Nyashanu allegedly fraudulently cleared eighteen head of cattle and arranged for a truck to transport them to an abattoir in Bulawayo. Fourteen of these cattle were reportedly slaughtered at the Acacia Abattoir, while the whereabouts of the remaining four are still under investigation.
The case came to light following a police-led anti-stock theft operation conducted on September 1. During the campaign, four complainants stepped forward to report missing cattle and implicated Nyashanu in the alleged theft. These reports prompted a formal police investigation, culminating in Nyashanu’s arrest.
Tsholotsho Police Officer Arrested Over Alleged Theft of Eighteen Cattle
During his first appearance at Plumtree Magistrates’ Court, Nyashanu pleaded not guilty to the four counts of stock theft brought against him. Magistrate Nembaware subsequently remanded him in custody until the next hearing date set for September 30.
The prosecution argued that the evidence gathered — including eyewitness statements and transport records — pointed to Nyashanu’s involvement in orchestrating the removal and slaughter of the stolen cattle. “The state has reason to believe that the accused, in his capacity as a police officer, abused his position to facilitate the unlawful removal and disposal of the cattle,” Prosecutor Nyathi told the court.
The alleged involvement of a police officer in such a serious crime has sparked outrage among residents of Tsholotsho and surrounding areas. Stock theft remains one of the most pervasive crimes in rural Zimbabwe, devastating livelihoods and eroding trust in law enforcement.
“It is deeply disappointing to hear that someone entrusted with upholding the law could be involved in such acts,” said a community leader in Tsholotsho who requested anonymity. “This case undermines the trust that communities have in the police, especially in rural areas where cattle are both wealth and livelihood.”
Stock theft is not just a property crime in Zimbabwe; it is a serious offence that often carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years upon conviction. For rural households, the theft of cattle represents a significant economic blow, given that livestock are central to farming livelihoods, dowries, and financial security.
The arrest of Nyashanu comes amid intensified anti-stock theft operations by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. These campaigns, which involve both proactive policing and community engagement, aim to curb the rising cases of cattle theft that have plagued rural areas in recent years.
Police spokesperson Charity Charamba confirmed the arrest but urged the public to allow the judicial process to take its course. “The police are committed to ensuring that anyone found culpable of stock theft, irrespective of their position, is brought to justice,” she said. “We cannot afford to compromise the integrity of our force.”
Nyashanu’s case will next be heard in Plumtree Magistrates’ Court on September 30, where further evidence will be presented and witnesses are expected to testify. The prosecution is likely to rely heavily on the testimonies of the four complainants and supporting documentation from the anti-stock theft operation to build its case.
If found guilty, Nyashanu could face substantial prison terms and dismissal from the police service, as well as a permanent loss of his right to work in law enforcement. His arrest underscores a broader concern about corruption and abuse of power within institutions tasked with safeguarding the law.
Stock theft remains a pressing challenge in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural provinces where livestock farming is a key part of the economy. According to official crime statistics, the problem has grown in recent years, prompting increased deployment of anti-stock theft units. However, enforcement has often been hindered by challenges such as limited resources, rugged terrain, and, increasingly, allegations of collusion between thieves and some members of law enforcement.
The Nyashanu case adds fuel to these concerns and will be closely watched as a potential benchmark for how seriously authorities address misconduct within their own ranks.
For the Tsholotsho community, the case is not just about one police officer. It is a test of accountability and a reminder that crime, no matter who commits it, must be addressed firmly.
As the legal process unfolds, attention will focus on whether the prosecution can prove beyond reasonable doubt that Nyashanu intentionally orchestrated the theft and subsequent slaughter of the cattle. The outcome will have implications not only for his personal future but also for public confidence in the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s commitment to tackling stock theft without bias.
The case stands as a stark warning: no one, including those sworn to uphold the law, is above it.
Source- Bulawayo24
