Livestock thieves using chainsaws in Wanging'ombe spark police warning

Authorities in Tanzania's Wanging'ombe district are calling on residents to bolster security measures at their livestock enclosures and report any suspicious individuals to help curb a surge in cattle theft. The appeal comes amid a disturbing new trend where thieves are using chainsaws to butcher stolen cattle before selling the meat in local markets.

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If you suspect someone passing through your areas with livestock, report it to the Police so we can investigate and determine if the livestock belongs to them, and then legal action can be taken.

Dankeni Mwakalukwa, the Police Inspector for Ilembula Ward, stated that six cows were stolen this week alone from Wanging'ombe village. He emphasized the need for community cooperation with the police, urging citizens to provide timely information. "If you suspect someone passing through your areas with livestock, report it to the Police so we can investigate and determine if the livestock belongs to them, and then legal action can be taken," Mwakalukwa advised.

The district's geography, which borders areas with large pastoralist populations like Makambako, Iringa, and Mbarali in Mbeya region, is cited as a contributing factor to the persistent theft. Mwakalukwa also highlighted the crucial role of village leaders in crime prevention, as they are familiar with their residents and can identify suspicious newcomers or activities.

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My hope is that the players can play their best. Winning or losing, they should be able to show their abilities. We want to see how far we have come compared to Thailand, which has been building its women's football team for over 30 years.

Awesu Nguchuke, another Police Inspector for Wanging’ombe Ward, confirmed the police's ongoing efforts to combat livestock theft through education on conflict resolution and community policing. He noted that many livestock theft incidents involve insiders, including family members or local residents. Nguchuke also reminded owners to carry proper documentation when moving livestock to avoid misunderstandings and potential accusations.

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Even those who move livestock from one place to another should have documents showing ownership so they are not stoned, because the cows might be theirs but people may not understand.