INCREASE GUMBO
MIRROR REPORTER

CHIREDZI – Some 347 stock theft cases were recorded in Chiredzi as between April 2023 and April 2024.
This is a drop compared to 360 cattle lost in a similar period between 2022 and 2023.
Officer Commanding Chiredzi Chief Superintendent Robert Chihwereva said this during the anti-stock theft campaign held at Gwaseche Makwangudze.
The campaign was held in conjunction with Veterinary Services Department, District Registrar’s office and traditional leaders.
Veterinary Services Chiredzi District Animal Health doctor Kudakwashe Makwangudze urged farmers in Gwaseche area, Chiredzi South Constituency to brand their cattle and reduce stock theft.
He said cattle branding is essential and it is a prerequisite for every farmer as it reduces stock theft.
“Cattle branding is essential as it provides easy identification of cattle incase its lost or stolen as each dip tank have a different brand while each district have a different brand. There are two types of branding which are personal and veterinary branding.
“Each district have its own brand and in Masvingo Privince FH is the Chiredzi brand, FL-Masvingo, FC -Chivi, FX- Mwenezi, FK -Bikita while FP is for Gutu,” said Makwangudze.
Makwangudze also urged communal farmers to report cases if they identify animals with brands which are different from theirs.
Chiredzi District Registrar officer Franklin Chihabu speaking during the campaign said they do personal branding whereby one registers their cattle and are given branding certificates.