Zebaldt Ngaruka
A Namibian truck that was transporting cattle to South Africa overturned between Mamuno Border Post and Charles Hill in Botswana on Wednesday morning.
The truck, belonging to Booysen Transport, was carrying 140 cattle from Okahandja to a feedlot in Johannesburg.
Willie Booysen, who is the transport manager at Booysen Transport, told New Era the accident happened when the driver, Tjipekapora Kaura, tried to avoid hitting cattle that were grazing along the road.
“It is very bad, but good that the driver survived, as he was alone. He is in Gobabis – and so far, he is responding well from home,” Booysen said.
The transport manager said the value of all cattle involved in the accident is between N$500 000 to N$600 000.
“Only one is still missing. We are working closely with the veterinary (department) but the rest, either dead or alive, are back at our depot. It’s very bad, a big loss, and we are burning the dead ones, which is a very bad thing to see,” he said.
Asked about the truck, Booysen said was towed to Windhoek for fixing and repairs.
He added that a new truck would cost about N$ 2.8 million, so they opted for repairs, which translates to N$500 000.
Booysen cautioned that transporting live animals is not easy.
“Due to drought in Botswana, many cattle are feeding next to the road, and it’s a big risk. Other drivers must be careful these days,” he warned.
New Era also spoke to the driver, who said he injured his fingers and elbow, and that he has back pain.
He is at home, as there was no medication at the Gobabis hospital.
“I am buying my own medication, and have to go every day to the hospital for examinations by doctors. It is very strange that there is no medication at the hospital, and I have to travel between home and hospital for dressing,” Kaura said.
Asked whether he has medical aid insurance, Kaura said he has Prosperity Life medical aid, which only covers hospitalisation.
The driver added that he is surprised that for 14 years, he has been deducted N$1 000 for this medical insurance per month, but that can only cover a bed in the hospital.
“This is a strange situation, and I have to fork out again from my pocket to cover medication. Even going to the hospital every day for dressing and using public transport is costly,” Kaura from Kanaan settlement in Gobabis sadly said.