By a Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched investigations to identify and prosecute the owner of a cow believed to have caused the road accident that killed three Highlanders Football Club executives and a club supporter.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said detectives were following leads to establish ownership of the animal, which reportedly strayed onto the Harare-Bulawayo Road in Insiza District on Thursday evening.
“There are legal provisions that make livestock owners accountable for accidents involving animals on public roads. Police are following up on information suggesting the cow was part of a herd being driven by a young herder, and are determined to identify the owner,” Nyathi said.
He reminded livestock owners of their responsibility to keep animals off public roads, warning that negligence could result in loss of life and extensive property damage.
The victims were Highlanders chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda.
The group was returning from Kariba after Highlanders’ Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba when their vehicle allegedly struck a cow before colliding head-on with an oncoming bus.
The government has since granted the four victims State-assisted funerals in recognition of their contribution to Zimbabwean football.
