ZRP Hunts Cow Owner After Fatal Highlanders Crash Kills Four
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched investigations to identify and prosecute the owner of a cow believed to have caused the road crash that claimed the lives of three Highlanders Football Club executives and a club supporter.
The accident happened on Thursday evening along the Harare-Bulawayo Road in Insiza District as the group travelled home from a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match in Kariba.
Police say investigations are now focused on tracing the owner of the animal amid indications that it may have been part of a herd being driven by a young herder.
ZRP Investigates Cow Owner Over Highlanders Tragedy
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that detectives were pursuing leads to establish who owned the animal.
He said:
“There are legal provisions that make livestock owners accountable for accidents involving animals on public roads. We have received information suggesting that the cow was part of a herd being driven by a young herder. Police are following up on that lead and are determined to identify the owner and ensure the law takes its course.”
Nyathi reminded livestock owners that they have a legal responsibility to ensure their animals do not stray onto public roads.
He added:
“Livestock owners have a duty to ensure that their animals are properly secured and do not wander onto public roads. Negligence can have devastating consequences, including loss of life and significant property damage.”
He also urged members of the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue, saying police would release a comprehensive statement once inquiries had been completed.
Highlanders Leaders Died Returning From Kariba
According to Ezra Tshisa, the victims were returning from Kariba after Highlanders lost 1-0 to ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium.
ZimLive reported that the Ford Raptor carrying the club officials struck a cow before colliding with an oncoming bus. The victims were Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and devoted club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda.
The Government later granted the four victims State-assisted funerals in recognition of their contribution to Zimbabwean football.
Damaged Highway Fencing Raises Fresh Safety Concerns
The tragedy has also renewed attention on damaged protective fencing along sections of the Gweru-Bulawayo Highway.
According to Ezra Tshisa, fencing installed to reduce collisions involving stray livestock has been vandalised or stolen over the years. Some sections were allegedly removed for other uses, leaving motorists exposed to roaming animals.
Police have urged motorists to remain vigilant, particularly at night and when travelling through rural areas where stray livestock are frequently encountered.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as detectives work to establish all the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision and identify the owner of the cow believed to have triggered the accident.
The post appeared first on iHarare News.
