Police hunt for owner of stray cow linked to fatal Highlanders executives crash

Source: Police hunt for owner of stray cow linked to fatal Highlanders executives crash – herald

Patrick Chitumba Zimpapers Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched investigations to identify and prosecute the owner of a cow that allegedly strayed onto the Harare-Bulawayo Road and caused the fatal accident that claimed the lives three Highlanders Football Club executive members and a club supporter.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the owner of the animal for possible prosecution in accordance with the laws that hold livestock owners liable for road traffic accidents caused by stray animals.

“There are laws that hold livestock owners accountable for such road traffic accidents. We hear that the cow that was hit was part of a herd that was being driven by a young man. So the police are seized with the matter. We want to find the owner of the cow and bring them to book. That is why police investigations are still underway,” said Comm Nyathi.

He appealed to members of the public to allow the police to complete their investigations before drawing conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“We urge the nation to let the police do their investigations and once done, a statement will be released,” he said.

The accident occurred on Thursday evening when a vehicle carrying Highlanders Football Club officials allegedly struck a cow before veering into the path of an oncoming bus along the Harare-Bulawayo Road in Insiza District.

The crash claimed the lives of Highlanders chairman Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda.

The quartet was returning from Kariba, where Highlanders had lost 1-0 to ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Nyamhunga Stadium.

Government has since accorded the four victims State-assisted funerals in recognition of their contribution to sport and the circumstances surrounding their death.

Comm Nyathi reminded livestock owners of their legal responsibility to ensure their animals do not stray onto public roads, warning that negligence could result in the loss of lives and property.

He also urged motorists to exercise extra caution, particularly at night and when travelling through rural areas where stray livestock is common.

Commenting on the legal implications, prominent Gweru lawyer Mr Easu Mandipa of Mandipa, Makwara and Chikukwa Legal Practice said Zimbabwean law places a duty on livestock owners to keep their animals under proper control.

“There are regulations that prohibit allowing animals to graze near roads,” he said.

“The law bans the grazing of animals or leaving them unattended near public roads. Breaching this rule provides the basis for Government warnings and allows police and local authorities to impound stray livestock.

“Motorists whose vehicles are damaged by stray livestock can also sue the owner under civil law to recover repair costs or medical expenses, provided they can prove that the owner failed to take reasonable care to keep the animals properly enclosed,” he said.

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has previously erected protective fencing along sections of the Gweru-Bulawayo Highway to reduce accidents involving stray animals.

However, much of the fencing has been vandalised over the years, with some sections reportedly stolen by residents and poachers for use in making snares, leaving motorists exposed to renewed danger from wandering livestock.