Police Hunt Cow Owner After Fatal Highlanders Crash Kills Four

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

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, causing the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three Highlanders Football Club executives and a supporter.

Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlope (70), vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba (55), treasurer Nkani Khoza (66) and club supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda (27) died after the vehicle they were travelling in struck a cow before colliding with a bus near Mbembesi. The fatal crash occurred at the 380-kilometre peg on 23 July 2026 at approximately 7:30 pm as the group was returning from Kariba, where Highlanders had lost 1-0 to ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Nyamhunga Stadium.

Police Investigating Livestock Owner

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and identify the owner of the stray animal.

According to police, preliminary information suggests the cow was part of a herd being driven by a young herder at the time of the collision.

"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," Commissioner Nyathi said.

"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."

Nyathi reminded livestock owners of their legal obligation to ensure animals do not stray onto public roads, warning that negligence can result in devastating consequences, including loss of life.

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

The latest investigation follows a recent nationwide appeal by the ZRP discouraging night travel because of the growing number of fatal crashes involving livestock and reduced visibility on Zimbabwe's highways.

Lawyer Explains Legal Liability

Prominent Gweru lawyer Easu Mandipa, of Mandipa, Makwara and Chikukwa Legal Practice, said Zimbabwean law places a clear duty on livestock owners to keep their animals under proper control.

"There are regulations that prohibit allowing animals to graze near roads," Mandipa 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."

Mandipa added that motorists who suffer damage or injury after colliding with stray livestock may institute civil proceedings against the owner.

"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."

Calls to Improve Highway Safety

The tragedy has renewed calls for stronger measures to reduce collisions involving livestock on Zimbabwe's highways. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) previously installed protective fencing along sections of the Gweru–Bulawayo Highway to keep animals off the road. However, much of the fencing has reportedly been vandalised or stolen over the years, leaving motorists increasingly exposed to the danger of wandering livestock. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash while urging livestock owners, local communities and motorists to play their part in improving road safety and preventing further loss of life.

Highlanders road accident cow owner