Cruelty against Vervet monkeys escalates on North Coast

There has been a disturbing rise in the number of Vervet monkeys being shot on the North Coast, with images of injured monkeys, often shot with air guns, circulating on social media.

Lindy Elmes, director and founder of Wildlife Rescue, is often the first responder when a monkey is wounded or killed in KwaDukuza.

She describes the shootings as a regular and escalating issue, particularly between La Mercy and Tinley Manor, including incidents in Ballito where residents are also using paintball guns.

Elmes is deeply concerned by the level of cruelty. “What kind of community condones senseless cruelty? This is not just about monkeys; it’s about who we are as a community.”

She emphasised that shooting monkeys does not solve the issue but creates unnecessary suffering, pointing out that the real problem lies in our inability to co-exist peacefully with wildlife.

Luxury estates and gated communities are also witnessing illegal shootings of monkeys, despite clear estate rules and regulations prohibiting such actions.

Two weeks ago, Elmes rescued a monkey shot in a La Mercy estate, followed by another shot in or near Palm Lakes.

A third incident saw a young monkey in Ballito, less than a year old, shot with a pellet gun, leaving it partially paralysed. The monkey had to be euthanised owing to the severity of its injuries.

Elmes notes that more monkeys are injured or killed by vehicles than by shootings, but many monkeys hit by cars are also found to have pellets lodged in their bodies.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s district conservation officer Samukelisiwe Ntuli issued an appeal to residents to not harm 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.

“Monkeys, like all wildlife, have as much right to exist as we do. Do those who shoot ever consider the pain they are causing? It is inhumane and unconscionable.”

Indiscriminate shooting of monkeys is not only cruel but also illegal under the South Africa’s Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Discharging firearms or air guns in built-up areas is a criminal offence. Anyone caught shooting any animal can be charged with reckless endangerment, animal cruelty (as per the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962), or malicious damage to property.

Elmes urged residents to report the shooting of any animal to the police or local animal welfare organisation.

“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.”

Wildlife Rescue is a non-profit company (NPC) run by several unpaid volunteers. The NPC needs funding to rehabilitate injured animals. Contact Wildlife Rescue on Facebook or 083 607 4498.

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