The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is offering a R20 000 reward for information leading to the successful conviction of those responsible for harming a rogue baboon at Botleng Secondary School in Delmas.

Videos of the attack on the animal sparked national outrage.

Ridge Times reports the NSPCA also seeks information on the origin of the footage and urged those who filmed the incident to come forward.

Three learners chased the baboon, affectionately known as Raygun, off the school’s roof on Thursday.

The animal was beaten and kicked to death before being set alight.

According to chief inspector Douglas Wolhuter, the manager of the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit, Raygun’s hands, feet, head, and heart were removed.

An NSPCA statement claims the school management refuses to identify the culprits. The principal will reportedly not provide the names of the three learners seen chasing Raygun on the school’s roof.

“After consulting with the school management, it became clear that this case is deeply rooted in superstition regarding baboons used in witchcraft.”

Claims that 10 children fainted earlier that morning led to the belief that the baboon was sent to cast a spell.

The NSPCA was informed that the community, who allegedly initiated the chase after Raygun, requested the school to notify them if any authority attempted to investigate the matter.

“The community are protecting each other at all costs, making the NSPCA’s investigation incredibly difficult,” explained Wolhuter.

“We are horrified by this level of cruelty. Raygun was in search of freedom, in a new territory – something all baboons do instinctively,” said Wolhuter.

The NSPCA has retrieved Raygun’s remains for a post-mortem.

The organisation has also launched a large-scale programme to educate children and adults about animal sentience, legal protections, and appropriate responses to wildlife in urban areas.

Anyone with relevant information can contact the NSPCA at wild3@nspca.co.za or call 011 907 3590. All tip-offs will remain anonymous.

“Prosecution, education, or both – justice for Raygun starts with you,” commented Wolhuter.

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