Police Launch Manhunt For Owner Of Cow In Highlanders Executives Horror Crash

Police have launched investigations to identify and prosecute the owner of a cow that allegedly strayed onto the Harare-Bulawayo Road and caused the 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 supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda (27) died when their vehicle struck a cow and collided with a bus.

The accident occurred at the 380-kilometre peg near Mbembesi on 23 July 2026 at around 7:30 pm.

The four were returning from Kariba, where Highlanders had lost 1-0 to ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Nyamhunga Stadium the previous day.

ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the owner of the animal for possible prosecution under laws that hold livestock owners liable for accidents caused by stray animals.

“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,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

“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.”

Commissioner Nyathi reminded livestock owners of their legal responsibility to ensure their animals do not stray onto public roads, warning that negligence could result in loss of life and property.

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

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

“There are regulations that prohibit allowing animals to graze near roads,” he 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.

“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,” he said.

In the past, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) erected protective fencing along sections of the Gweru-Bulawayo Highway to reduce accidents involving stray animals.

However, much of the fencing has been vandalised over the years, with some sections reportedly stolen by villagers and poachers for use in making snares, leaving motorists exposed to renewed danger from wandering livestock.

More: The Sunday News