Three suspected cattle thieves have been apprehended in Katete after police intercepted them transporting stolen livestock in a small Toyota Corolla, turning the vehicle into what authorities described as a “moving kraal.”
The suspects were caught in Kavulamungu Village in Chief Kawaza’s area after a tip-off from a concerned member of the public alerted police to the unusual operation. Acting swiftly, officers mounted an ambush between 01:00 and 06:00 hours, eventually intercepting the vehicle.
Upon inspection, police discovered three cattle—a brown cow, a brown calf and a black-and-white ox—crammed inside the grey Toyota Corolla, registration number ARD 321.
The suspects have been identified as Saiti Mudimba, 51, of Ibex Compound in Katete, who was driving the vehicle, alongside Jonathan Banda, 54, of Kawaza Compound in Sinda District, and Fackson Banda, 34, of Goliath Village in Chief Nyanje’s area.
When questioned, the trio claimed the animals had been given to them by a man identified only as “Aswell” from Mbwindi area near Chikalaba turn-off—an explanation police say is still under investigation.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating that the suspects were found in possession of the livestock at the time of arrest.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while the vehicle has been impounded. The recovered cattle have been secured and are awaiting identification by their rightful owner.
