Police arrest 13 suspects in Western Province over stolen cattle

He said the arrests followed a tip-off from a member of the public who reported seeing a suspicious group moving towards Ngambe with a herd of cattle.

Police officers intercepted the group at the Muoyo Veterinary Kraal, where the suspects were allegedly seeking clearance to transport the livestock to Mongu for sale.

“Police officers acted swiftly and intercepted the group at the Muoyo Veterinary Kraal, where they were attempting to seek clearance to transport the livestock to Mongu for sale,” he said.

Mwanza said officers discovered that new brand marks had allegedly been freshly impressed over existing marks in an attempt to disguise the cattle’s origin and ownership.

The recovered livestock comprises six bulls, nine oxen and 17 cows.

“All 32 head of cattle have since been secured as exhibits. The 13 suspects remain in police custody as a docket has been officially opened and cross-border investigations continue,” Mwanza stated.

He thanked members of the public for their vigilance and cooperation in combating cross-border livestock theft in the region.

Mwanza said investigations were continuing to establish the rightful owners of the cattle and determine whether the animals had been stolen from a neighbouring country.

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