Private investigators hired to bring Raygun’s killers to book
Raygun the baboon was brutally beaten and burnt to death by school children in early February.
A private investigator has been roped in to assist in investigating the gruesome killing of a Pretoria baboon Raygun early February.
Raygun was brutally beaten and burnt to death by learners at a Delmas school in Mpumalanga, which caused a public outcry.
His body was mutilated – his hands, feet, head, and heart – removed, according to Owl Rescue Centre.
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has launched an official investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
The NSPCA is also offering a R20 000 reward for information leading to a successful conviction.
“Animal cruelty is not just an ethical issue – it is a crime every act of violence against animals is a step towards broader criminal behaviour, and it must be addressed with the full force of the law.”
This is according to a veteran private investigator Mike Bolhuis from the Specialised Security Services and a wildlife advocacy.
He said the public approached his firm to help with evidence gathering and no money was charged to carry out this work.
Bolhuis said while the precise motives behind the killing of Raygun remain under investigation, reports suggest several possible justifications put forth by those responsible or their defenders.
“These so-called reasons are widely debated and do not in any way excuse the inhumane act in any way.”
He added that some claim that Raygun had become too accustomed to human presence and had grown aggressive, posing a potential danger to residents or tourists.
“However, baboons are often misunderstood, and in many cases, perceived aggression results from human interactions, such as feeding them, which disrupts their natural behaviours.
“Proper wildlife management, rather than lethal measures, is the ethical and legal solution,” he explained.
He said in urban and semi-rural areas where human settlements encroach on wildlife habitats, baboons are often blamed for breaking into homes, raiding food supplies, and damaging property.
“While baboons can be opportunistic, these behaviours are typically the result of habitat destruction, forcing them to seek alternative food sources.”
Bolhuis added that there are numerous non-lethal deterrents that communities can use, such as baboon-proof bins, improved waste management, and responsible urban planning.
“While some may attempt to justify such actions as a sport or pest control, killing baboons is illegal without a valid permit, and any unjustified slaughter of wildlife is a prosecutable offence.
“There are unconfirmed reports that Raygun may have been killed as part of a hunting or trophy-killing practice,” he said.
He urged anyone with information regarding Raygun’s death to come forward.
“If you have any details about the individuals responsible, please contact Specialised Security Services immediately.”
He said animal awareness and education are needed so that people can learn more about animals.
Legal consequences of animal cruelty in South Africa:
Under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, it is a criminal offence to cause harm, suffering or death to any animal. Offenders
can face:
– Fines: Courts may impose significant financial penalties depending on the severity of the crime.
– Imprisonment: Perpetrators can receive a prison sentence of up to two years for violating animal protection laws.
– Additional Charges: In cases where endangered or protected species are harmed, offenders may also be prosecuted under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), which carries even harsher penalties.
“Animal cruelty cases that involve extreme violence, such as the killing of Raygun, could also lead to aggravated charges, including malicious damage to property (if the animal belonged to a sanctuary or organisation) and even psychological evaluations of the offenders,” Bolhuis concluded.
If you have any information you can contact Phil Vermeulen at 082 604 4598 or philv@mikebolhuis.co.za.
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