Widow gets damages for spouse cow crash

A North West woman will receive R597 000 in damages from a farmer whose cow caused her husband’s death.

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Pretoria - A North West woman is to receive a R597 000 damages payout from a farmer whose cow caused her husband’s death after he drove into it.

Matthys Lourens of Potchefstroom agreed to pay the damages to Rosina Ngobeni, the widow of Moruti.

Ngobeni initially claimed R950 000 in damages in the high court in Pretoria on behalf of her five-year-old son.

She said in court papers that her husband was travelling on the Ventersdorp Road on the evening of December 30, 2011 when the accident happened.

He was taken to hospital and died about a month later from his injuries.

Ngobeni said the farmer had a duty to ensure that his animals were controlled and fenced in.

The court was told that her husband had a duty to care for their young son and herself and that they were dependent on his financial support.

The farmer at first blamed Ngobeni and said he was driving too fast and didn’t keep a proper lookout. He also blamed cattle thieves for the accident, saying they tried to steal his cattle overnight and opened the gate. The cow ventured out without him knowing about it.

He, however, agreed to settle the matter by paying the widow damages.

Pretoria News