Police Arrest 10 Matshetshe Vigilantes Over Matshetshe Arson Attacks On Suspected Cattle Rustlers

POLICE in Gwanda have arrested 10 people from Matsheshe area under Chief Masuku who were part of more than 200 villagers who went on a rampage armed with machetes and axes on Wednesday and burnt down three homesteads belonging to suspected cattle rustlers.

A manhunt has also been launched for the suspected ring leader of the cattle rustlers, Lovemore Moyo, whose homestead was also destroyed in the mayhem.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkosilathi Sibanda yesterday confirmed the arrest of the villagers.

“We’ve picked up 10 suspects and they’re in police custody assisting police with investigations. We warn members of the public not to take the law into their own hands but must supply police with information on such suspects so that they will be dealt with according to the law,” said Asst Insp Sibanda.

“We’re also looking for Lovemore Moyo who is on our police wanted list for stock theft. We’re appealing to members of the public who might have information on his whereabouts to advise the nearest police station.”

On Wednesday, over 200 villagers burnt down three homesteads belonging to suspected cattle rustlers who settled in the resettlement area of Insindi.

The villagers gave an ultimatum to people who were resettled in the area to move elsewhere if they did not want to be burnt alive.

The mob went to Moyo’s homestead and destroyed his four bedroomed house and a makeshift kitchen before setting the structures ablaze.

The villagers had first asked Moyo’s wife, Precious Noko, to take to safety his children’s birth certificates and some cattle clearing forms. Everything else was set alight. Their next target was Sylvester Hogo.

Hogo’s three bedroom house, which was near completion, was also razed to the ground. His neighbour, a traditional healer, Marble Ndlovu’s homestead was also burnt down.

Villagers who spoke to The Chronicle said they had lost over 200 head of cattle to rustlers whom they suspected are led by Moyo and Hogo.

One villager, John Sizane Maseko, claimed that he lost 19 beasts and said the new resettled farmers should leave the area as they were responsible for the theft.

Another villager, Linos Sibanda, said over 200 cattle have disappeared from the area. Richard Muponde Gwanda Chronicle