As part of efforts to reduce crime in the Province, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mat South attended a crime consultative meeting at Lutumba, Ward 15, Beitbridge East where a number of crime prevention related issues were discussed.
The gathering was necessitated by rising cases of stocktheft in the area where livestock production is a major economic activity at the household level.
The meeting was attended by various stakeholders from the community, including MP Beitbridge West, Hon T Ndou, senior traditional leaders, local police commanders, and other security personnel.
There were concerns from the community members around livestock theft, which has become rampant in our province, with goats being the latest primary target. Thieves slaughter them and sell the meat markets in buckets in Beitbridge town and across the Limpopo River in South Africa.
The community has lost significant numbers of livestock to these thieves. Among other resolutions, the stakeholders agreed on the following;
- We resolved to destroy all illegal settlements along the Limpopo River, which are hotspots for crime.
- We agreed that the police will increase patrols along the borders to arrest individuals harassing and stealing livestock, as well as those carrying illegal guns used for robbery.
- The meeting resolved that traditional leaders from the village level will work closely with their people to identify culprits and report them to the police without fear or favor.
The Minister of State encouraged the community members to work together with line stakeholders, saying, "If we all work together, we can protect our livestock and promote development in Matabeleland South."