LOST SPOTS FOUND

Thabazimbi – Residents of Thabazimbi received an unexpected visitor last week — a young cheetah cub who had lost her way. Thanks to the quick response of local wildlife heroes, the frightened feline’s story had a happy ending.

On Tuesday 21 October 2025, at around 06:20, Jaco Havenga received a call from a Spitskop resident who spotted a lone cheetah cub wandering the area. Jaco immediately contacted Dr Jana Pauwels from Kwaggasvley Veterinary Services to assist with the capture.

Although the team couldn’t locate the cub that morning, a video later surfaced on a local WhatsApp group showing the young cheetah roaming the streets of Thabazimbi. When Jaco and Dr Pauwels rushed to the scene, the vet couldn’t safely dart her due to limited visibility.

Three days later, on 24 October, the elusive cub reappeared — this time in Regorogile Extension 5. A startled resident discovered her while emptying a basin outside. Fearing for their safety, the family retreated indoors and called for help.

Once again, Jaco and Dr Pauwels responded, joined by veterinary associate Pikkie van Aardt. This time, Dr Pauwels successfully darted and examined the young cheetah — a 10-month-old female, slightly underfed but otherwise healthy. The vet concluded that she had likely become separated from her mother under unknown circumstances.

The cub has since been safely transported to a rehabilitation centre in Johannesburg, where experts will care for her until she’s ready to reunite with her mother, who has been located on a nearby game farm outside Thabazimbi.

“It was an honour working alongside Dr Pauwels in capturing and protecting the young female cub,” said Jaco Havenga. “Seeing her safe brings great relief.”

Dr Pauwels, who hails from Belgium and has worked in South Africa since 2016, said she loves the thrill of working with wildlife. “Would you rather inject Chihuahuas in an office,” she laughed, “or dart giraffes from a helicopter?” 

She also urged the public to never harm wild animals, especially cheetahs. “They are shy, careful creatures who avoid confrontation. Please call professionals — Marakele, Thaba Fire and Rescue, or the police — if you spot one.”

Thanks to calm thinking, teamwork, and compassion, Thabazimbi’s wild wanderer is now safe — and one step closer to finding her way home.

Main photo: The rescued cheetah cub rests peacefully beside Dr Jana Pauwels and Pikkie van Aardt, relieved that all worked out for the better.