Municipality urges farmers to keep cattle off roads after spike in crashes

The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has urged livestock owners to ensure their animals remain fenced in after a growing number of collisions involving cattle on roads across the Chris Hani District.

The response comes after Komani News recorded 11 crashes involving cattle since the beginning of June, leaving 24 people injured and one person dead.

Municipal spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa said stray livestock causing accidents that result in injuries and fatalities is a serious concern.

“The municipality pleads with the farming community to ensure livestock remains inside feeding grounds,” Kowa said.

He said the municipality shares responsibility with the Department of Transport for removing stray animals from roads.

According to Kowa, an ongoing operation involving the municipality’s Public Safety Department, the Department of Transport, Emergency Medical Services and other stakeholders is actively removing stray animals from national roads.

The campaign has already resulted in more than 64 animals being impounded during the past month, in an effort to reduce crashes caused by roaming livestock.

Members of the public who spot cattle or other livestock on roads are encouraged to report them to the municipality’s 24-hour call centre on 045 807 2026, 045 839 1211 or 045 839 2181.

The municipality said public reporting plays an important role in helping authorities remove animals before they can cause serious crashes.