A family residing in Belgravia, Cape Town, endured a restless night on Sunday as their kitten found herself perched atop the tallest tree in their garden. Despite their coaxing efforts, the distressed feline remained trapped, desperately clinging to the branches.
Realising the seriousness of the situation, the family sought assistance from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in the early hours of the following morning.
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Coming to the rescue was Trainee Inspector Lindo Mbele, whose heart was moved by the pitiful meows resonating from the tree. Assessing the tree and strategising his ascent, Mbele determined that he could climb it.
‘I observed the tree, and I concluded that I could climb it as there were many branches to use as a foothold, but I would have to do it barefoot. I also knew I wouldn’t be able to climb up with a cat carrier because I needed both hands free,’ said Trainee Inspector Mbele.
With resourceful thinking, Mbele emptied his backpack, fashioning it into a makeshift carrier. He then removed his socks and shoes, ensuring optimal grip on the branches. Then, the barefooted hero embarked on the daunting task of scaling the colossal tree.
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‘It took me about 25 minutes to reach the kitten,’ explained Trainee Inspector Lindo, ‘and then she needed some convincing to come to me and even more to get her in my bag. I climbed down slowly because I needed to keep checking on her. I was in the tree for over an hour, but it was worth it when I was able to give her back to the family who loved her.’
Fortunately, both Trainee Inspector Mbele and the intrepid kitten were successfully brought back to solid ground, eliciting immense relief from its immensely grateful owners. Apart from being hungry, thirsty and chilly, the little cat emerged unscathed from her high-altitude adventure.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse commended Trainee Inspector Lindo Mbele for his exemplary courage and compassion during this formidable rescue mission, stating, ‘Trainee Inspector Lindo Mbele, driven by compassion, showed remarkable courage in the face of a daunting rescue operation. I think he’s a hero.’
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA