Botswana’s President Ian Khama has received two stitches in his face after being clawed by a cheetah, a government spokesman said Monday.

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

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

The cheetah was being fed in an enclosure close to where Mr. Khama was standing, became excited and somehow managed to get its claw across the President’s face.

Mr. Khama (60) was not admitted to hospital, but did receive treatment.

He was seen last week with a plaster on his face.

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