(dpa/NAN)
A South African Air Force officer is being treated in hospital after being attacked by two cheetahs outside an aircraft hanger in the north of the country.
Brig.-Gen Marthie Visser, spokesperson of the military, said the cheetahs were brought to the airbase to hunt wildlife that frequently wander on the runway outside of the town of Makhado.
“The warrant officer sustained injuries at the back of her head, neck and face and she is being treated in hospital.
“Live cheetahs are used to control wildlife such as warthogs, buck and large birds that pose hazard to aviation safety in aircraft maneuvering areas at the base, Visser said.
He said that the incident happened on Tuesday when the cheetahs entered a hangar where Grippen and Hawk fighter jets were parked.
“People chased them out, but the warrant officer followed them to take photographs; one of the cheetahs growled at her, she turned back and started screaming.
“The first cheetah went for her and the second joined in.”
Visser said the incident showed the need for more education and training on the base regarding cheetah encounters
