A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer has landed in serious trouble after being hauled before the courts on charges of stock theft—a crime that has not only shocked the local community but also cast a dark shadow over the integrity of law enforcement in the country.
The officer, now identified as Humphrey Mugadya (38), was stationed in Plumtree and appeared in court alongside his alleged accomplice, Grant Ncube (44). The duo appeared before Magistrate Joshua Nembaware and were remanded in custody until June 12, pending further investigations and a possible bail application.
According to the prosecution, the case revolves around the theft of a bull from the grazing lands of Mlowe Village in Plumtree on May 29, 2025. Ncube allegedly stole the bull and then contacted Mugadya, who is accused of using his position as a law enforcement officer to facilitate the illegal sale of the animal.
Prosecutors say Mugadya sourced a buyer, identified as Bekhemuzi Mpofu, who allegedly purchased the stolen bull for US$560. The animal was slaughtered and the meat was reportedly transported in a Nissan X-Trail vehicle (registration AEN 8140) to Mpofu’s butchery for resale.
Further investigations revealed that Mugadya had allegedly forged official documents to complete the sale, using the identity of an elderly villager, Moyo Zuzephi (85), to fill out Form 392 Part D, a standard document used in the legal sale and transfer of livestock.
Police Officer in Custody Over Shocking Stock Theft Allegations
The plan, however, unraveled when police received an anonymous tip-off about the suspicious transaction. Acting on the intelligence, officers conducted investigations that led to the arrest of both Mugadya and Ncube.
The matter is being prosecuted by Selestine Madziwa, who confirmed that further inquiries are ongoing and additional charges may be brought depending on the outcome.
The incident has stirred public debate and drawn widespread condemnation, particularly because of the involvement of a serving police officer—someone expected to uphold the law, not break it. It has also raised questions about internal checks and accountability systems within the ZRP, especially concerning how officers handle livestock movement and property crimes in rural communities.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Headquarters has since released a brief statement in response to the arrest, emphasizing that the force does not tolerate corruption or misconduct within its ranks. “Any officer found on the wrong side of the law will face the full consequences of their actions, regardless of rank or position,” the statement read.
Stock theft is a serious and growing problem in many rural parts of Zimbabwe, where communities rely heavily on livestock for their livelihoods. In many instances, cattle represent not only a source of income but also a cultural and social asset. As such, the crime carries harsh penalties, including lengthy jail terms.
Legal experts say that if convicted, Mugadya and Ncube could each face up to 20 years in prison under Zimbabwe’s laws on stock theft, particularly if aggravating factors such as abuse of official position are proven.
Meanwhile, the case has triggered renewed calls from civil society organizations and agricultural unions for stricter oversight of livestock trade and more thorough vetting of police officers, particularly those stationed in rural areas. These officers often serve dual roles in both law enforcement and community mediation, making accountability essential.
As investigations progress, more information is expected to surface, potentially exposing a wider network involved in similar criminal activities. Concerned citizens and farming communities are now watching developments closely, calling for justice to be served. Many hope this case will set a strong precedent against the abuse of power and corruption within the police force.
