Cross border cattle rustling: BW, Zim’s unending nightmare

The neighbouring countries' Presidents made the resolution at the 4th Botswana/Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) that was recently held in Maun. The heads of states embraced concerted efforts made by both countries in combating the long-standing problem of cross-border crime including livestock rustling.

For years, cross border rustlers has been a nightmare for farmers along the borderline with police working round the clock to curb the scourge with evidence pointing to the direction of Zimbabwe, South Africa and other neighbouring countries for the crime. The crime has affected many areas with North-East, Bobirwa, Ramatlabama, North-West being in the forefront. There is a syndicate of livestock thieves amongst Zimbabweans and Batswana forcing farmers along the borderline to be on the edge. The growing transnational organised stock theft networks threaten the country’s agricultural economy as farmers continue to lose their livestock at the hands of Botswana, Zimbabwe and South African syndicates respectively.