Calls for tougher penalties against infrastructure vandalism and stricter enforcement of livestock control laws have intensified following the road accident that claimed the lives of three Highlanders Football Club executive members and a female supporter.
Hundreds of Highlanders supporters gathered at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday for a memorial service to honour chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza, and club member/supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda, who died last Thursday while returning from Kariba, where Bosso had played ZPC Kariba in a midweek Premier Soccer League match.
Government officials, football administrators, security chiefs, traditional leaders and thousands of Highlanders members and supporters attended the service before the victims were laid to rest.
The four died after the vehicle they were travelling in struck a cow on the Bulawayo-Gweru Highway near Mbembesi. The impact caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
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The stretch of road has long been regarded as an accident blackspot, with several fatal crashes linked to stray livestock.
Addressing mourners, Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu said the tragedy highlighted the need for stronger laws to protect public infrastructure and hold livestock owners accountable.
“We are devastated by this tragedy that has befallen our beloved brothers and sister. We have had other similar accidents at the same spot in the past, with such disastrous implications,” he said.
Ndlovu said repeated vandalism of roadside fencing had undermined efforts to keep livestock off the highway, as stolen sections allowed animals to stray onto the road.
“We are hereby asking all our legislators and relevant authorities to ensure that strict laws are put in place so that people who are in the habit of vandalizing infrastructure are severely punished. If we have strict laws in place, people will not be tempted to vandalize infrastructure,” he said.
He also urged livestock owners to ensure their animals were secured, particularly at night, to reduce the risk of similar accidents.
“We cannot ignore the effect that stray animals have. We call upon those with livestock, especially cattle, to ensure that at every sunset their animals are well secured to avoid such catastrophes,” said Ndlovu.
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