Statement on euthanization of Sheba the tiger

18 January 2023

Following an intense three-day search for Sheba the tiger, a decision was made by authorities to euthanize her.

The female tiger escaped from a property in the Walkerville area on Saturday evening.

In the early morning, we were informed that Sheba was roaming around the Arboretum Farm in Walkers Fruit.

Sheba entered a farm dwelling with families where she attacked and killed a domestic animal.

The decision to euthanise her was not taken lightly as tigers are listed as “Endangered” on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Many efforts and resources were put to capture the tiger safely and alive.

The decision to euthanize Sheba was taken to protect the lives of residents as the tiger had become increasingly dangerous.

We commend the Task Team which consisted of the SPCA, SAPS, local Community Policing Forum and other role-players who worked around the clock trying to capture the tiger and keep our residents safe.

The municipality is already in the process of strengthening its by-laws to regulate the process of keeping exotic wild animals to ensure that such incidents never occur again.

Issued by Idah Satikhe, Office of the Executive Mayor, Peter Teixeira, 19 January 2023