News / National
Botswana-bound bus kills 18 cattle on Bulawayo-Plumtree highway
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Tragedy struck on Monday evening when a Botswana-bound bus collided with a herd of 21 cattle along the Bulawayo-Plumtree highway, approximately 10km from Plumtree town.
Eighteen cattle were killed instantly in the crash, with some bearing ear tags labeled "A S Khumalo Summerton." Others reportedly belonged to Mr. Maphosa of Solwezi Village in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South Province. The remaining three cattle were later purchased by local butchery owners in Plumtree.
Miraculously, the bus driver walked away unscathed from the accident.
Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, stated he had not yet received details about the incident but would provide further information after follow-ups.
"I am yet to receive a report on the issue, but you can check with me tomorrow (Wednesday) for more details," he said.
The accident underscores the recurring danger posed by stray animals on Zimbabwe's roads, particularly in rural areas. Livestock straying onto highways has long been a concern, exacerbated by vandalism of perimeter fencing and negligence by some farmers.
To mitigate such incidents, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), has initiated a programme to fence off major highways. The project began with the Bulawayo-Gweru Highway, with plans to extend to other critical routes.
In addition, the TSCZ has intensified awareness campaigns, urging farmers to equip their livestock with yellow reflective ear tags to enhance visibility at night. Farmers risk prosecution under the Roads and Road Traffic Regulations for allowing livestock to roam unattended, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Accidents involving animals have claimed numerous lives on Zimbabwe's highways. Notable among these tragedies was the death of National Railways of Zimbabwe general manager and retired freedom fighter Air Commodore Mike Tichafa Karakadzai in 2013. He died after his vehicle struck a stray cow near the 79km peg along the Gweru-Bulawayo road.
Concerns have been raised about the poor condition of the Bulawayo-Plumtree Highway, with the absence of road markings and signs in some sections adding to the danger. Local authorities and transport stakeholders have called for urgent rehabilitation of the highway to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians.
This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining roads, enforcing livestock regulations, and fostering collaboration between authorities and farmers to prevent further tragedies.
Eighteen cattle were killed instantly in the crash, with some bearing ear tags labeled "A S Khumalo Summerton." Others reportedly belonged to Mr. Maphosa of Solwezi Village in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South Province. The remaining three cattle were later purchased by local butchery owners in Plumtree.
Miraculously, the bus driver walked away unscathed from the accident.
Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, stated he had not yet received details about the incident but would provide further information after follow-ups.
"I am yet to receive a report on the issue, but you can check with me tomorrow (Wednesday) for more details," he said.
The accident underscores the recurring danger posed by stray animals on Zimbabwe's roads, particularly in rural areas. Livestock straying onto highways has long been a concern, exacerbated by vandalism of perimeter fencing and negligence by some farmers.
To mitigate such incidents, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), has initiated a programme to fence off major highways. The project began with the Bulawayo-Gweru Highway, with plans to extend to other critical routes.
In addition, the TSCZ has intensified awareness campaigns, urging farmers to equip their livestock with yellow reflective ear tags to enhance visibility at night. Farmers risk prosecution under the Roads and Road Traffic Regulations for allowing livestock to roam unattended, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Accidents involving animals have claimed numerous lives on Zimbabwe's highways. Notable among these tragedies was the death of National Railways of Zimbabwe general manager and retired freedom fighter Air Commodore Mike Tichafa Karakadzai in 2013. He died after his vehicle struck a stray cow near the 79km peg along the Gweru-Bulawayo road.
Concerns have been raised about the poor condition of the Bulawayo-Plumtree Highway, with the absence of road markings and signs in some sections adding to the danger. Local authorities and transport stakeholders have called for urgent rehabilitation of the highway to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians.
This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining roads, enforcing livestock regulations, and fostering collaboration between authorities and farmers to prevent further tragedies.
Source - The Chronicle
