A lioness escaped from the cage it was kept in while being transported in the back of a bakkie by its owner on Wednesday in the North West. Communities have been warned to be on the lookout and be careful because it could be anywhere. It is alleged that the owner only noticed when he reached his destination in Tlakgameng that the lion was not there.

BE ON ALERT

SAPS provincial spokesperson Captain Afjie Botma said it's not clear when and where the lion got a chance to escape. "The big cat was in a container on the back of a Ford Ranger  bakkie. The bakkie drove along the Beesdam road between Stella and Tlakgameng on Wednesday morning. It is unclear when the lion escaped." Botma warned the public to be careful and keep their distance should they spot the lion anywhere. Botma said the cat was not in familiar surroundings therefore it was threatened and propelled to attack. "The nature reserve and farmers are on the lookout for the animal. We urge anyone who spots the lioness to contact Nanti Strydom at 082 563 7763, Siyabonga Mseleku at 073 446 7452 or head to their nearest local police station,"he said.

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?MZANSI'S GOT WILD CATS

In the past month two tigers were on the loose and South Africans were shocked to discover that they live among wild animals that they only get to see when they go to the zoo. Early January Sheba the tigress escaped from her home on a private farm in Walkerville. Before being put down a few days later she was reported to have attacked two dogs and a man who was on his way to visit his sister at a nearby farm. The other incident happened on the 30^th of January when a tiger estimated to be around 9 months old was spotted at an office park in  Edenvale via CCTV footage. However, the little tiger was recaptured. Animal control specialist said: "Community members are warned that a lioness escaped. The owner only realised that she escaped when he reached his destination at Tlakgameng. If anybody has any information or has seen anything, please contact nature conservation of your local police station if you see the lioness."