Teenager jailed nine years for cattle rustling

 

A RUSAPE teenager has been slapped with a nine-year jail sentence following his conviction for stocktheft.

 

The offender, 19-year-old Obert Muchinyanga recently appeared at Rusape Magistrates Court.

 

The prosecutor told the court that on September 4, 2025, at around 7pm, the offender proceeded to a cattle pen belonging to complainant at Ngwere village, Chief Makoni, Rusape. Upon arrival he got into the kraal and drove a cow, brown and black in colour with horns facing upwards.

 

Offender drove the beast to the Masvosva area, and later to his homestead where he falsely informed his wife that the cow had been given to him by complainant.

 

Court heard that the next day, September 5, Muchinyanga attempted to sell the beast for US$400 to a buyer who became suspicious after noting that the offender was unfamiliar with the area and alerted authorities, leading to his arrest.

 

In a statement following sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the stiff sentence was meant to deter would-be thieves.

 

“The stiff sentence sends a strong deterrent message. Stocktheft is an economic crime that directly affects families and communities. The law will take its course against offenders,” the NPAZ said.