THESE livestock owners are very worried about the brutal killing of their cows.
The owners from Mandlanzini, near Richard’s Bay on the north coast of KZN, said in one week five cows had been shot dead in the
area.
The most recent incident was on Friday when a cow that had been shot in the head was found.
The owners told Daily Sun the killings started on Wednesday when two suspects on motorcycles opened fire on a herd, killing four cows.
Thembinkosi Mdluli (58) – who was herding the cows – said he survived the shooting by hiding in the bush.
“I saw two men shooting at the herd. When I went to check on the cows after they left, I found four cows were dead. I called for help.”
Zwelisha Buthelezi (54), the owner of the four cows, said he feared he would lose more animals.
“The shootings scare me because I’m unemployed and my family relies on the money I make by selling cows.
“One of my kids has registered at a tertiary institution with the money I made from selling three cows.”
Umhlambi Livestock Association chairman, Dubula Lukhele, said they were organising a meeting to come up with solutions.
“We don’t know why the cows are being killed,” he said.
KZN police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said: “A case of cruelty to animals was opened at Richards Bay cop shop.”
