Red flag raised: Illegal slaughter sparks health crisis in Masvingo

SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO

A red flag has been raised over Masvingo’s beef industry as a wave of illegal cattle slaughtering operations spreads across the province, sparking urgent concerns about public health, livestock security, and regulatory breakdowns.

The Masvingo Beef Producers Association has sounded the alarm, accusing both city authorities and national health regulators of turning a blind eye to rampant, unregulated cattle slaughter occurring in open bush areas instead of licensed abattoirs.

“This situation has become chaotic. It is not only endangering the lives of thousands of residents who unknowingly consume uninspected meat, but is also fueling a surge in livestock theft across the province,” said Robert Makadho, Chairperson of the Association.

Makadho pointed fingers at the City of Masvingo’s meat inspectors and officials from the Ministry of Health, blaming them for failing to enforce meat inspection laws and allowing vendors to bypass proper procedures. He warned that the lax enforcement has emboldened illegal operators, putting both public safety and the legitimate beef industry at risk.

Confirming the severity of the issue, Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa revealed that law enforcement recently conducted a sweeping crackdown, arresting 134 individuals for offenses that included unauthorized cattle slaughter in bush areas and running unlicensed home-based butcheries.

“We work closely with the veterinary services and council health department during these operations. Carcasses from such illegal activities are confiscated, condemned, and disposed of in accordance with meat inspection laws,” said Dhewa. He noted that public education campaigns are ongoing to raise awareness and encourage communities to report suspicious slaughtering practices.

City authorities, however, defended their operations. Ashleigh Jinjika, the City of Masvingo Public Relations Officer, stated that all legally recognized abattoirs within the city are under active municipal surveillance and regulatory oversight. Meanwhile, Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Kramer Manyetu emphasized that authorities remain committed to rooting out unlawful practices to safeguard public health.

Masvingo currently hosts around 100 registered butcheries, with nearly 80 clustered in the densely populated suburbs of Mucheke, Rujeko, and Runyararo West. However, economic hardship is driving some operators into illegality, opting for bush slaughter to cut costs and bypass formal processes.

According to a source familiar with local operations, many butcheries are reeling under the pressure of rising beef prices and escalating operational expenses. At licensed abattoirs, prices range from US$2.30 per kilogram for economy cuts to US$2.80 for super grade beef. Yet, in retail, butcheries are forced to charge between US$4.00 and US$4.50 to remain viable.

“People are struggling. Most households can’t afford meat, and butcheries are battling rising operational costs. To stay afloat, some are avoiding formal abattoirs and the costly ZRP clearance processes, which are not only expensive but time-consuming,” said the source, who requested anonymity.

With illegal slaughter posing an escalating threat to both consumer health and livestock security, industry stakeholders are calling for urgent and coordinated intervention. They warn that unless enforcement agencies act decisively, the integrity of Masvingo’s beef industry—along with the safety of its residents—could be severely compromised.

As the province contends with economic pressure, weak regulation, and growing public health risks, the call for a stronger crackdown on illegal meat operations has never been louder.