Cyanide kills 14 cattle, meat on sale

VILLAGERS in Mutasa are living in fear of poisoning after reports that meat from cattle suspected to have died of cyanide poisoning was being sold in the area.

At least 14 cattle reportedly died recently in Mutasa in suspected case of cyanide poisoning.

Acting Manicaland provincial veterinary officer Dr Charles Guri said they were still investigating the case with a team already on the ground.

“We have heard of such a case in Mutasa district and we are investigating the case, it is not yet confirmed,” he said.

Mutasa district administrator Mr Tendai Kapenzi said: “We are suspecting cyanide poisoning in Ward 22, Mutasa. We have sent a team to investigate the matter and we are now waiting for the results.

“About five families lost 14 beasts near the tollgate along the Mutare-Harare Highway. The district team that attended the scene reported that some villagers helped themselves to meat from the carcasses since six beasts had disappeared by the time they reached the scene.”

Mr Kapenzi said they were planning to meet with stakeholders in the mining sector where they suspect the cyanide came from.

“We want both the minerals and our livestock, but we do not want to endanger the lives of our people because some of them are now selling the meat, which is dangerous,” he    said.