Matobo Villagers Raise Alarm Over Cattle Theft, Demand Better Policing and Clinics

By Staff Reporter

MATOBO – Matobo villagers have called on the Government to urgently address rampant cattle theft, strengthen rural policing and improve access to healthcare as communities outlined their priorities during public hearings on the 2027 National Budget.

Residents from Ward 23 and surrounding communities made the submissions during consultations held at Pagati Primary School and Antelope Mine as Parliament gathered public input for the 2027 national spending plan.

The hearings, conducted from October 5 to 9, were part of Parliament’s nationwide budget outreach programme, which seeks to incorporate citizens’ concerns into national fiscal planning.

The session at Pagati Primary School was chaired by Entumbane-Njube legislator Prince Dube, who led a delegation from Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion. The delegation included Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus chairperson and Midlands Senator Maybe Mbowa, Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole and Dangamvura MP Prosper Mutseyami.

Stock theft emerged as one of the biggest concerns, with villagers warning that persistent cattle theft was threatening livelihoods in a community where livestock production remains a major economic activity.

One resident told the hearing that repeated thefts were discouraging people from keeping cattle, with animals reportedly disappearing both during the day and at night.

“Our residents no longer wish to keep cattle. Everyone plans to sell all of them because they are being stolen almost every day, in broad daylight and at night,” the villager said.

Residents called for increased Government funding for livestock protection, stronger anti-stock theft operations and a greater police presence in rural communities.

They also urged authorities to establish more police stations and provide officers with vehicles to improve patrols and response times, particularly in remote areas where communities struggle to access law enforcement services.

Healthcare infrastructure was another major concern, with villagers calling for increased investment in rural clinics and the upgrading of existing health facilities.

Community members said long distances to healthcare centres continued to make it difficult for residents to obtain medical attention, highlighting the need for more accessible and adequately equipped facilities.

The informal sector also featured prominently during the discussions, with residents describing small businesses and informal trading as essential sources of income amid limited formal employment opportunities.

“The informal sector is our real industry today,” residents said, appealing for improved infrastructure and support to help small-scale traders and entrepreneurs sustain their businesses.

Villagers further called for the formal registration and regulation of mining operations in Matobo, arguing that stronger oversight was necessary to promote accountability and ensure local communities benefited from mining activities.

The submissions highlighted the competing development needs facing rural communities, including the protection of livestock, improved public safety, accessible healthcare and support for local economic activity.

Parliament conducts the public hearings as part of its constitutional responsibility to facilitate public participation in governance and national policy formulation.

The concerns raised by Matobo residents are expected to inform parliamentary deliberations as the 2027 National Budget is processed.

For villagers, the central demand is for budgetary commitments that translate into practical improvements in security, healthcare and economic opportunities across their communities.