Three injured in latest cow crash as livestock collisions continue across district

Three more people have been injured after a Toyota Quantum collided with a cow on the R61 near Qamata Basin, in what is the latest of a growing number of livestock-related crashes on roads across the Chris Hani District.

The crash happened at about 21:59 on Saturday, 11 July.

According to emergency services, the white Toyota Quantum struck a cow on the R61 near Qamata Basin.

Two women and one man sustained minor injuries and were transported to Cofimvaba Hospital for treatment.

Emergency Medical Services, Cofimvaba SAPS and towing services responded to the scene before the damaged vehicle was removed.

The latest incident adds to an alarming pattern of collisions involving livestock on some of the district’s busiest roads.

Based on incidents reported to Komani News, at least the following livestock-related crashes have occurred since the beginning of June:

• 6 June – R61 near Tarkastad: Six people injured after a vehicle struck a cow.
• 7 June – N6 near Lesseyton: One person injured after a vehicle collided with a cow.
• 8 June – R61: One person injured in another livestock collision.
• 10 June – Near Komani: Three people injured after a vehicle struck a cow.
• 12 June – R67 near Tambo Village: Two people injured after a vehicle collided with a cow.
• 14 June – R61: One woman was killed and five other people were injured when a taxi collided with a cow.
• 19 June – N6 near Lesseyton: Another collision involving a cow was reported, although no injuries occurred.
• 27 June – R61 near Qombolo outside Cofimvaba: Five people injured after a vehicle struck a cow.
• 5 July – R61 outside Komani: One person injured after a Toyota Quantum collided with a cow.
• 6 July – R56 near Indwe: An Isuzu D-Max struck a cow. No injuries were reported.
• 6 July – R67 at Tambo Village: A Fidelity Services Group bakkie collided with a cow. No injuries were reported.
• 11 July – R61 near Qamata Basin: Three people injured after a Toyota Quantum collided with a cow.

These are only the incidents that have been reported to Komani News through emergency services and official sources. It is understood that other collisions involving livestock do occur but are never formally reported or recorded, meaning the true number of crashes is likely to be higher.

Based on the confirmed incidents received, Komani News has recorded at least 12 livestock-related crashes across the Chris Hani District since the beginning of June.

Those crashes have left 27 people injured and claimed one life.

The collisions have occurred on major routes including the R61, N6, R67 and R56, many of them during the evening or at night when visibility is reduced and motorists have little time to react.

Last week, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality said it shares responsibility with the Department of Transport for removing stray animals from roads. Municipal spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa said an ongoing campaign involving Public Safety, the Department of Transport, EMS and other stakeholders had resulted in more than 64 stray livestock being impounded during the past month.

Despite those efforts, livestock continues to roam freely on several roads across the district.

With another three people injured this weekend, motorists are once again left asking whether enough is being done to keep animals off public roads before another family loses a loved one.