Cape Town - Following the news that a lion cub, which the internet for obvious reasons has dubbed Simba, had been rescued by SAPS in Athlone and taken to safety, many felt that it was now appropriate to have a laugh over the whole situation.
SAPS spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana revealed on Thursday that various addresses were searched in the Athlone area, until eventually the lion cub was found.
"A case docket of possession of endangered species was registered by Stock Theft Unit and the lion cub was taken to a place of safety.
"The estimated street value of the lion cub is R50 000. Three people aged between 28 and 30 years-old were taken in for questioning," Rwexana said.
While the investigation is on-going, the memes and comments in response have spread like wildfire online.
People probably went Lion King befok and soema got a Lion cub in Athlone.
— Abdul-Aleem 😀 (@Aleem094) August 23, 2019
But also, it's a freaking wild animal that could endanger yourself and the animal by keeping it in a place that's not suitable for it.
Took a Bellville taxi from the rank to Mowbray
— Yaaseen Barnes (@Ya_a_seen_Him) August 23, 2019
Got off at Belgravia Road https://t.co/TDp8m7WWbT
Seeing that they found the lion cub in Athlone .. i need to confess, my wife has a Tiger ... in the bedroom 👀
— Rafikizolo (@RafiqAllie) August 23, 2019
undefinedundefinedThe lion cub found in Athlone really is going against our narrative of Not having lions as pets 🤣🤣
— MoonChile⁷🌈 🇿🇦 (@MoonChildJay) August 23, 2019
Mans literally called this cub like it's a little puppy 🤣