Cattle herder steals 32 cows, hides some in father-in-law’s kraal
Nation Reporter
Cattle herder steals 32 cows, hides some in father-in-law’s kraal
Content Type: Free
By NATION REPORTER
A 25-YEAR-OLD cattle herder of Chipangali has been arrested for allegedly stealing 32 head of cattle valued at K207, 000 and hiding some of the animals at his father-in-law’s kraal.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, which occurred on June 10, 2026, at Pitala Village under Chief Mnukwa in Chipangali.
Mr Mweemba said the matter was reported to Mgubudu Police Post, which falls under Chipata Central Police Station, on June 13 by Dalitso Phiri, 36, of Pitala Village.
According to police, the stolen cattle belonged to Mr David Phiri and his brother, Peter Phiri of Lusaka, and were allegedly taken by their employee, Samson Banda of Dimba Village under Chief Chinunda.
Mr Mweemba said Mr Banda had been employed on May 31, 2026, as a cattle herder under an agreement that he would be paid K150 per animal after one year of service.
“On June 10 at around 19:00 hours, the complainant received a phone call from his brother, David Phiri, informing him that the cattle herder had not returned home together with the cattle,” Mr Mweemba said.
He said the family immediately launched a search operation with the assistance of villagers.
The following day, while searching in the Tungula Man Farm area under Chief Chinunda, the search team reportedly met an unidentified woman who directed them to her kraal where 26 cattle were found.
“The woman informed the search team that the animals had been abandoned by unknown people,” Mr Mweemba said.
The search for both the remaining cattle and the suspect continued until June 12 when information was received that community crime prevention officers had apprehended Mr Banda at Dimba Village.
Police officers rushed to the area and found the suspect already in custody.
“During interviews, the suspect admitted stealing the cattle and pleaded for forgiveness,” Mr Mweemba said.
He said the suspect later led the complainant and investigators to his father-in-law’s residence where four more cattle were recovered from the kraal.
This brought the total number of recovered cattle to 30, valued at K205, 500.
Two calves valued at K1, 500 are still missing.
Ends.
