Admire Mhaka Mutare Correspondent
Madziro Abattoir in Mutare has been deregistered after it emerged that it was offering meat inspection and grading services in violation of its licence.

Acting Manicaland provincial veterinary officer Dr Charles Guri said the abattoir was licensed to offer slaughtering services but the process of inspection and grading of the meat was supposed to be conducted by Veterinary Services and Agritex officers who then stamp the                                                   meat.

“It is true that Madziro Abattoir was recently closed down pending finalisation of investigations arising from operational irregularities, which include violations of some sections of the health laws to do with meat grading and inspection.

“Madziro’s Abattoir licence has since been withdrawn in terms of Section 12 of Statutory Instrument 182 of 2002 and the owner was advised,” said Dr Guri.

He said the discrepancies came to light after officials from the Department of Veterinary Services visited Mutare Prison farm last week and discovered that they were selling meat, which had been slaughtered, inspected and graded at Madziro Abattoir.

“This prompted veterinary officers to make further inquiries in the company of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers leading to the unravelling of the unlawful practices at the abattoir,” he said.

Following this incident, Dr Guri said the Department of Veterinary Services would not be issuing animal movement permits for slaughter at Madziro Abattoir and urged stock owners to use other abattoirs.

“I advise other abattoirs to follow statutory requirements when operating and desist from illegal meat operations to avoid facing the wrath of the law,” he warned.

Mr Macdonald Madziro, the owner of the abattoir, said he was not aware of the decision by the Department of Veterinary Services to revoke his licence.

“I cannot comment on that because I am not aware of such developments. I have not been informed of this decision,” he said.

The closure of Madziro Abattoir has left few abattoirs operating in Mutare District and the surrounding                           areas.

Butcheries who have been using the services of Madziro Abattoir expressed concern at the decision by Government to close the abattoir saying it would affect their businesses.