Cruelty against vervet monkeys escalates on North Coast

A disturbing rise in the shooting of vervet monkeys on the North Coast has sparked outrage, with injured monkeys —often shot with air guns — appearing on social media.

According to The North Coast Courier, Lindy Elmes, the director and founder of Wildlife Rescue, is frequently the first to respond when a monkey is wounded or killed in KwaDukuza. She describes the shootings as an escalating problem, particularly between La Mercy and Tinley Manor, including Ballito, where paintball guns are also being used.

“What kind of community condones senseless cruelty? This is not just about monkeys; it’s about who we are as a community,” she said.

Elmes emphasised that shooting monkeys only causes unnecessary suffering and highlights a failure to coexist peacefully with wildlife.

Luxury estates and gated communities are also experiencing illegal shootings, despite rules prohibiting such acts. In recent weeks, Elmes has rescued monkeys shot in La Mercy and Palm Lakes estates. Another incident in Ballito left a young monkey paralysed after being shot with a pellet gun; it had to be euthanised due to its severe injuries.

While vehicle collisions cause more injuries or deaths to monkeys, Elmes notes that many hit by cars are also found with pellet wounds.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s district conservation officer Samukelisiwe Ntuli urged residents to stop harming monkeys.

“The plight of monkeys has reached a critical point. These intelligent, sentient creatures are being targeted in alarming numbers, and the violence must stop,” said Ntuli.

Under South African law, discharging firearms or air guns in built-up areas is illegal, and offenders can face charges for animal cruelty, reckless endangerment, or malicious damage to property.

Elmes called on residents to report any shootings to the police or animal welfare organisations.

“This is not just about protecting wildlife. It’s about upholding the law and ensuring our communities remain safe for everyone. Let’s choose compassion over cruelty,” she said.

Wildlife Rescue, a non-profit organisation run by unpaid volunteers, urgently needs funding to rehabilitate injured animals. For more information, contact them via Facebook or on 083 607 4498.