The home side were forced to survive a fierce fightback from the Lions before closing out the match after leading 33-12 at the halftime interval.
Marko Janse van Rensburg went over for a brace of tries while Prince Nkabinde also went over for a five-pointer as the Cheetahs took a 19-0 lead.
Clayton Blommetjies then struck for the bonus-point try and the speedster also added three conversions to his tally as the hosts looked to be running away with the contest.
The Lions roared back in the second half and scored five tries of their own to at least take a losing bonus-point from encounter.
Gianni Lombard, Morne Brandon, Angelo Davids, Nico Steyn, Rynhardt Jonker all crossed for tries while Sam Francis added three conversions.
With the win, the Cheetahs, along with Boland, have booked their place in the playoffs in this season's Currie Cup.
Boland booked their spot in the Currie Cup playoffs after a dramatic comeback saw them beat the Pumas while Sharks came out on top against Western Province in a game between the bottom teams.
The Boland Cavaliers continued their impressive run in the 2025 Currie Cup when they defeated the Bulls 28-20 in Wellington on Sunday afternoon.
The Cheetahs saw off a gallant effort from Western Province in Bloemfontein, while the Lions overcame the Pumas in Nelspruit in Currie Cup action played on Saturday.
Griquas condemned the Sharks to a fourth straight defeat in this season's Currie Cup after a 26-17 victory in Kimberley on Friday.
