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Cheetahs don't have retractable claws; bad news for President Ian Khama, right. PA Images

President of Botswana injured by cheetah

It wasn’t an attack ‘per se’, says his spokesperson – but he did claw President Ian Khama’s face.

BOTSWANA PRESIDENT IAN Khama has received two stitches in his face after being clawed by a cheetah, a government spokesman has said.

The incident occurred at a Botswana Defence Force barracks last week government spokesman Jeff Ramsay told AFP.

“He was scratched by a cheetah last week but not really attacked per se,” Ramsay said.

The cheetah was being fed in an enclosure close to where Khama was standing and somehow managed to get its claw to the president’s face.

Khama was not admitted to hospital, but did receive treatment. He was seen last week with a plaster on his face.

Ramsay said there were no security implications to the attack and added that because of the minor nature of the injuries the government had initially decided not to issue a public statement.

Cheetahs are one of the few large cats not to have fully retractable claws. Far from being razor sharp the claws are more akin to those of a dog than a lion.

- © AFP, 2013

Video: Oh, a cheetah in (slow) motion>
Scientists want to bring 22 animals back from extinction>

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    Mute Marc Murphy
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 6:32 AM

    Very brave lady and best wishes to you. Can’t help but think it would send an even stronger message if he was locked up for the full sentence and none of this early release good behavior B.S

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    Mute Terry Cahill
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 2:36 PM

    @Marc Murphy: yes .. I think that good lady will be fearful of his release , as anyone would be . Wouldn’t think he will be welcomed into the prison or when he is released though.

    10
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    Mute The Divils Avocado
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 6:25 AM

    And Hopefully Sends a Strong Message to Other Men.

    205
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    Mute DERRY1973
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 6:31 AM

    @The Divils Avocado: he’s not a man, No man would do that to a woman. What he is, is unprintable here.

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    Mute David F. Dwyer
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 7:47 AM

    @The Divils Avocado: Hopefully it sends a strong message to other judges.

    201
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    Mute Contrary Mary
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 9:12 AM

    @The Divils Avocado: Coercive control does not always include physical abuse and only men as perpetrators. We are decades behind other Western countries understanding or addressing that.

    62
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    Mute Carol Conway
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 7:20 AM

    And sends an equally strong message to abusers too.

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    Mute Alan Curley
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 10:23 AM

    The Victim is the real hero in this story. To be put under that kind of abuse and threat and still go to the Authorities and fight him is absolutely awesome. Kudos to you. You Deserve all the happiness in the world.
    Great for the courts and Gardai to back her up as well, it’s a fantastic day for Justice in Ireland.

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    Mute Trevor Connolly
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 8:13 AM

    Howcome this is not attempted murder

    85
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    Mute Contrary Mary
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 9:17 AM

    @Trevor Connolly: No intent motive? Circumstances considered by our justice prior to charges.

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    Mute Aido Yollom
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 9:09 AM

    10 years is not enough. Throw away the key. There’s no place on this earth for a lowlife like that.

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    Mute Contrary Mary
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 9:08 AM

    Waiting for landmark case of coercive control abuse with no physical abuse involved.

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    Mute RogersRabbit
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 7:33 AM

    Insidious is the word. People like this guy should be rooted out.

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    Mute Mandy Seiler
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 11:05 AM

    My comment earlier got deleted – I assume because I said “Thank you, Laura Richards!” Laura is not the poor lady who survived the attacks. Laura Richards is former Scotland Yard and it is she who works with police and governments around the world, including Northern Ireland and us here, to educate and change / bring in laws in cases of coercive control and stalking. Check her out! https://www.laurarichards.co.uk/about-me/. The lady in this case is very brave. I wish her a continued recovery. I also hope her bravery will help others in similar situations make a life saving decision and seek help.

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    Mute Graham Murphy Esq
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 9:17 AM

    As it’s the first conviction of this nature I wouldn’t be surprised if the length of the sentence is appealed.

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    Mute Ewan O'Doherty
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 2:07 PM

    Let’s hope that this lowlife has a hard time at the hands of the other inmates

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    Mute JT1972
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 8:18 AM

    I hope the same results would happen if it was a woman who was charged but don’t think so because the State isn’t interested in that sort of thing.

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    Mute Conor Byrne
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    Jan 22nd 2021, 6:08 PM

    He will have a hard time in prison. I really hope so.

    2
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