The man who allegedly searched for two lion cubs in the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, apparently on instruction from his ancestors, will be examined by a district surgeon to determine his mental condition.
Tshepo Phage, 27, who almost ended up in the tigers’ enclosure at the zoo when he mistook the striped cats for lions, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on a charge of trespassing.
He was arrested on Wednesday after he was coaxed off the narrow wall between the tigers and lions’ enclosures.
Magistrate Len Muller yesterday had difficulty stifling a snigger when the State informed him about the man’s alleged transgression.
The prosecutor requested a postponement for seven days for further investigation, which included a visit to the district surgeon.
After Phage’s legal rights were explained to him, he told the court he would conduct his own defence.
The case was postponed to next Thursday, while the “lion hunter” would remain in custody.
Phage’s adventure made headlines when police, zoo staff and paramedics had to convince him the zoo did not have lion cubs at this stage, and that his ancestors would not be upset if he did not succeed in his mission.
Phage allegedly forced his way through the zoo’s entrance, screaming to personnel that he had to get his hands on two lion cubs as instructed by his ancestors.
Finding the big cats’ enclosure, the man allegedly jumped on the wall of the tigers’ enclosure right next to that of the lions.
Phage apparently cautiously balanced himself on the wall, walking out on it deeper into the enclosures. Rescuers managed to herd the lions into their pens. When one of the tigers noticed the intruder she began stalking the “prey”. The tiger had to be darted with a tranquilliser. Eventually Phage got off the wall and was arrested. - Pretoria News