Zimbabwe: Police Arrest Over 5,000 in Nationwide Stock Theft Crackdown
Zimbabwean police have arrested over 5,000 individuals in a nationwide crackdown on stock theft and related crimes. The operation, titled 'Stock Thief Hot Pursuit,' has resulted in the recovery of significant amounts of livestock and meat products.
Why it matters
The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat rural crime and protect agricultural assets, which are vital to the local economy.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it has arrested 5 780 people under a nationwide operation targeting stock theft and related offences with Harare recording the highest number of arrests.
The operation, code-named "Stock Thief Hot Pursuit" began on 1 October and had resulted in 86 arrests for stock theft and 5,694 for other stock-related offences by 14 October.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation was yielding positive results across the country.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police informs the public that Operation 'Stock Thief Hot Pursuit', which commenced on 1st October 2026, is yielding positive results countrywide," Nyathi said.
Harare recorded 1 860 arrests, followed by Mashonaland West with 701 and Mashonaland Central with 604.
Bulawayo recorded 536 arrests while Mashonaland East had 481, Manicaland 445, Masvingo 418 and the Midlands 391.
Matabeleland South recorded 244 arrests while Matabeleland North had 100.
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