Livestock keepers and traders in Mwimbi Village and Ward, Kalambo District, Rukwa Region, have been urged to establish community security groups to strengthen efforts to protect livestock and help identify individuals involved in cattle theft.
The call was made by the Commander of the Tanzania Police Force’s Stock Theft Prevention Unit (STPU), Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Simon Pasua, during a meeting with livestock stakeholders on July 24, 2026, where he listened to their concerns and discussed ways to improve security.
SACP Pasua said fighting livestock theft requires active participation from communities, noting that many offenders operate within the same areas where livestock are stolen.
He urged livestock keepers to work together through organised community security groups, saying the initiative would improve surveillance, facilitate the reporting of suspects and reduce losses caused by theft.
“Livestock theft affects the livelihoods of farmers and traders. Communities must work closely with security authorities by sharing information and refusing to protect individuals involved in these crimes,” SACP Pasua said.
He said the Police Force would present the challenges raised by livestock stakeholders to relevant authorities, including the need to fence the livestock auction area and improve infrastructure to support efficient livestock trade.
SACP Pasua also directed auction managers to ensure all livestock buyers pay required fees and receive official receipts, saying proper record-keeping was important in promoting transparency in the sector.
He further instructed local authorities to strengthen patrols in border areas to prevent illegal transportation of livestock outside the country.
Speaking after the meeting, Mwimbi Ward Livestock Officer Conrad Ndungulu commended the Police Force for engaging with livestock keepers and providing education on security and compliance issues.
Ndungulu said his office would ensure the directives are implemented, including ensuring livestock buyers receive receipts and addressing concerns over farmers being charged livestock-related levies more than once.
The engagement is part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between livestock communities, local authorities and security organs in protecting livestock, improving trade practices and supporting the growth of the livestock sector.
