POLOKWANE – Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) spokesperson Zaid Kalla says they have not yet captured the baboon that has been noted in Bendor.

It has been nine days since Review was alerted about the baboon.

Kalla at the time told Review that the department is ‘working tirelessly’ to capture the primate.

Residents have, however, been concerned about the delays in the capture process, as they cited fear for their children and pets.

Review was alerted to claims that Ledet officials, in their attempt to capture the juvenile baboon, have fired live ammunition at the baboon.

Kalla refutes the claims: “The department is not aware of any live ammunition fired at the baboon, and such rumours are therefore false. Our environmental officials are still in the area and a cage trap has been set. Our intention is to capture the baboon and have it relocated to a suitable habitat.”

He adds that their priority is the animal’s safe removal from the area. “However, our environmental officers will apply any means necessary to ensure peace within the Bendor community and most importantly, the safety of our children and residents,” he concluded.