By Nomathamsanqa Magwa
THE cow drew its last breath at the open field next to the busy road after being hit by a speeding car.
Residents sprang into action and rushed to the scene – but they were not there to help the wounded animal.
Armed with okapies, axes and sticks, they surrounded the animal and tried to cut off a few pieces of meat!
But among the people who gathered around the dead animal on Friday morning were a few cattle farmers who denied the residents a free meal!
The farmers and residents fought for the dead cow in Gunguluza in Kwanobuhle, Uitenhage.
“We can’t kill each other for a dead cow!” shouted one of the farmers.
“The best thing to do is wait for the owner!” he added as residents called him crazy.
Meanwhile, two madalas were even prepared to moer each other for a chance to slice a chunk of meat from the cow. One of them said to the other: “Voetsek kwedini!”
“Move back!” shouted another farmer as residents pushed and shoved, trying to kneel down and chop out juicy pieces for themselves.
One resident shouted: “Time is not on our side – the owner might come!”
When the owner of the cow finally arrived, he was armed with a stick and a knife.
He was accompanied by a large group of men who were armed with knives and sticks.
Madala Yalekile, the owner of the cow, said: “I was with my neighbour when I heard my cow had been hit by a car.
“I immediately sped off with my team. Luckily, only the cow’s liver was missing when I got there.”
Police spokeswoman Lieutenant Gerda Swart said: “The driver of a silver VW Polo allegedly lost control of his vehicle and knocked down a cow and two children on the side of the road.
“The children were taken to hospital and we are investigating a case reckless and negligent driving.”
Cattle owners in the area are urged to keep their cattle in enclosures such as grazing compounds and as far away from residential areas as possible.
Daily Kasi News 