Butchery Owner and Accomplices Arrested Over Bull Theft in Watsomba

A butchery owner and two accomplices were arrested for allegedly stealing a bull from a 75-year-old woman in Watsomba Business Centre, police have confirmed. Farai Patika (45), Takunda Banda (29), and Dunnmore Kahlari (32) are accused of taking the animal from Jannet Nyamafene’s kraal during the night, prompting a police investigation after the woman reported the theft.

Authorities say the stolen bull was recovered near one of the suspect’s homesteads following an anonymous tip-off. Officers found the black bull tied to a tree about 100 metres from Banda’s homestead, along with several animal bones scattered around the area, suggesting that the site may have been used as a slaughter point. The discovery has linked the suspects to other stock theft cases in the area, where cattle were reportedly deboned.

Police first arrested Banda, a domestic worker, who, during questioning, implicated Patika, the butchery owner. Patika in turn implicated Dunnmore Kahlari. All three remain in police custody as investigations continue. The recovered bull was positively identified by Nyamafene and has been secured by authorities while further inquiries are conducted.

Investigators are looking into whether the trio may be responsible for additional livestock thefts in the surrounding communities, with police warning that anyone found engaging in similar activities will face prosecution.