Enoch Mgijima residents demand enforcement of cattle bylaws

Cattle roaming Komani streets raise safety concerns for residents and motorists

Residents and commuters in Komani are increasingly concerned about livestock walking freely through urban areas, posing risks to both pedestrians and drivers.

According to locals, a man regularly walks a herd of about +/-50 cattle into the Sandringham area every day, including along busy streets such as Komani Street during peak traffic hours. Motorists often have to stop and wait while the herd crosses roads, creating delays and traffic congestion.

“Every morning, we have to slow down or stop completely to let the cattle pass,” a commuter said. “It’s not only frustrating but also dangerous, especially during busy hours.”

In addition to the Sandringham herd, residents report that cattle from other owners are frequently observed roaming in different parts of town, including main street and various residential areas, both during the day and at night. The presence of these animals on streets and pavements increases the risk of accidents, especially in areas with poor lighting.

Komani News has obtained video footage showing the Sandringham herd crossing busy streets, which was sent to Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality. The video was accompanied by questions about municipal bylaws regulating livestock in urban areas and what steps the municipality takes to prevent such incidents. At the time of publishing, no response had been received.

Municipal animal control bylaws generally prohibit livestock from roaming freely in streets, pavements, and residential areas. These rules are in place to protect public safety, prevent property damage, and reduce traffic hazards.

Residents are calling for increased enforcement of these bylaws, highlighting that the issue is ongoing and not limited to a single area of town. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of pedestrians, particularly at night when cattle are observed on pavements and poorly lit streets.