MEC calls on community not to harm the animals and to contact the police if they are spotted.
THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform has issued a warning to members of the public that four cheetahs are “on the run” in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
The cheetahs are reportedly in the area of Tsineng, Matlhwaring and the Ga-Sese river.
Department spokesperson Zandisile Luphahla said that the animals are reported to be between the communal land and private farms in and around the aforementioned areas.
The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole, has called on the community not to harm the cheetahs and to call the police if they are spotted.
“We have received information that the community residing in these areas will be out on horses and with dogs to chase after the cheetahs. I call on members of the community to desist from that, because their action can also pose a serious danger to them as these animals are by their nature dangerous and deadly,” warned Luphahla.
He assured the public that a team from the department is working closely with the cheetah outreach foundation to rescue the animals.
