Member of Parliament, Mutinta, claims tougher law has reduced stock theft in Itezhi-Tezhi (video)

Itezhi-Tezhi Constituency in Southern Province claims to have recorded a reduction in stock theft cases, following the stiffening of the law that now classifies the crime as non-bailable.

Area Member of Parliament, Twaambo Mutinta, told Zambia Monitor in an Interview in Lusaka on Saturday that the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code through Bill Number 19 of 2023 has served as an effective deterrent to would-be offenders.

“The law against stock theft is working well and has been well-received by the community, particularly those who depend on livestock for their livelihood,” Mutinta said.

He explained that Itezhi-Tezhi, historically known for stock theft, is a livestock-reliant district with an estimated population of 144,000 animals.

“Losing animals to theft is not a minor issue—it delivers a significant economic blow to communities that rely on cattle as their primary source of income,” he said.

Mutinta noted that the strengthened law was helping to transform lives and protect the economic base of people who depend on livestock.

He also drew a parallel with ongoing efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), highlighting calls for similar harsher penalties for GBV offenders, citing the success of the anti-stock theft law.

“Traditional leaders, with whom I’ve recently engaged, have welcomed the new law and commended the government for its firm stance,” he added.

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