News Editor
Center News Hub
Masvingo — A Gutu cattle rustler, Walter Dambure will spend the next 36 years languishing in prison after he was convicted of stock theft following a spate of rustling escapades involving over 30 cattle in his neibhourhood.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest, conviction, and sentencing of Dambure, (25), of Stand 26 Village Wedgion 4B, Gutu, on 12 counts of stock theft.
He was convicted on January 13, 2026, and sentenced to a combined 36 years’ imprisonment.
The offences relate to the period from 2025 to January 10, 2026, during which Dambure allegedly stole 18 cattle from grazing lands in Gutu around Chatsworth area.
The cattle were kept at his kraal and were sold or exchanged with individuals from neighboring villages without police clearance.
Acting on a tip-off, police arrested Dambure, who led officers to the recovery of all the stolen beasts.
Five complainants were able to identify and recover 17 of the cattle, with the owner of the remaining animal still being sought.
The total value of the stolen cattle is estimated at US$7,780, all of which were recovered.
Acting Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu applauded members of the public for providing information that led to the arrest.
He also urged cattle owners to brand their animals for easy identification and to ensure that due process in stock clearance is conducted by involving the relevant authorities, including the police.
