A man from Chipinge has been arrested for allegedly defrauding an unnamed complainant by pocketing money meant to buy goats and then stealing nine of the animals, law enforcement officials confirmed on Sunday.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released pending a court appearance, reportedly received funds to purchase goats on behalf of the complainant but instead kept the cash and took the livestock without authorization.
Police in Manicaland province are investigating the incident, which highlights a growing pattern of livestock-related fraud in rural communities.
The accused is expected to appear before a Chipinge magistrate facing charges of theft and fraud. Residents have been urged to use formal livestock purchase agreements and verify the credentials of agents before handing over money.
