Municipality Warns Livestock Owners as Stray Animals Continue Causing Crashes

The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has issued a fresh warning to livestock owners following a series of road accidents involving animals wandering onto roads across the region.

In a notice released this week, the municipality urged small-scale farmers and livestock owners to take greater responsibility for their animals, warning that stray livestock continue to pose a serious risk to motorists and are contributing to road crashes.

The warning comes amid growing concern over multiple recent incidents involving vehicles colliding with cattle on roads around Komani and surrounding areas.

Municipal officials said teams are conducting daily patrols and will continue impounding animals found roaming unattended.

“All stray animals wandering unattended will be impounded. Fines will apply to owners when collecting impounded livestock,” the municipality said.

Authorities are encouraging owners to ensure livestock are properly fenced and supervised to prevent animals from entering towns and busy roadways.

The municipality said cooperation from livestock owners is essential to improving road safety and protecting both motorists and animals.

The warning follows several recent vehicle-versus-cow collisions reported in the area, raising concerns about the dangers posed by livestock on major routes. The municipality hopes stricter enforcement and greater awareness among owners will help reduce accidents and prevent further injuries and damage.