The horrific killing of the baboon fondly named Raygun has drawn attention to the deep-rooted superstitions surrounding baboons. Raygun was brutally chased, bound, and killed by learners.

The attack appears to have been driven by local beliefs that the baboon was sent to cast a spell, especially following the mysterious fainting of children earlier that morning.

Baboons, known for their intelligence and complex social structures, are vital to their ecosystems and are often misunderstood and mistreated due to these superstitions.

According to NSPCA spokesperson Jacques Peacock, after consulting with the school management, who are responsible for the approximately 1,800 children on the property, it became clear that this case is deeply rooted in superstition regarding baboons used in witchcraft.

He added that according to the school, ten children fainted earlier that morning, leading to the belief that the baboon was sent to cast a spell.

A report by Swaziland News explained that a baboon, in Siswati and the African culture, is used to commit witchcraft acts, it is a wild animal owned by alleged witches.

The NSPCA said it will embark on a large-scale programme to educate children and adults alike about the sentience of animals, their protection under the law, and what to do when wildlife is encountered in built-up areas.

The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (WAPFSA)spokesperson Megan Carr said it is deeply concerned about reports of school children violently stoning and beating a dispersing male Chacma baboon, then according to reports, binding him with metal wire and a tyre and burning him to death, while at a school in Mpumalanga Province.

“This barbaric and inhumane act was captured on camera and shared on social media.”

It furthermore said witnessing such violence predicts and increases a child’s engagement in maladaptive behaviours, including the perpetration of violence towards humans and animals.

“The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child confirms that the damage violence can cause for those children who witness it, has long been flagged by psychologists.

“Violence against animals has been documented by extensive scientific research and has been linked to other forms of violence including direct and indirect domestic and gender-based violence, violence in the workplace and against children.

“This particular act of violence towards a sentient and intelligent Chacma baboon needs to be thoroughly investigated and the consequences must be addressed without delay. Baboons are victims of inexplicable hatred in South Africa and are widely considered as vermin despite their complex social structure and intelligence.”

It furthermore said the very public and barbaric killing of Raygun by everyone who followed his journey through Pretoria is an important alarm signal to bring in much-needed change in our violent society.

“If we do not act now, and set an example, what hope is there for future generations of South Africans? WAPFSA urges government institutions to reform outdated baboon management policies. Civil society and the public must recognise that we have reached a breaking point and take a firm stand against the persecution of baboons and the brutality they endure.”

Also read: Another male baboon making its way through Pretoria

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