NSPCA investigates baboon’s death in Delmas, offers R20 000 reward
Claims that 10 children fainted earlier that morning before Raygun was seen on the roof, apparently led to the belief that the baboon was sent to cast a spell.
The National Council of SPCAs is offering a R20,000 reward for information leading to the successful conviction of those responsible for hurting a rogue baboon at Botleng Secondary School in Delmas.
Videos of the attack on the animal caused a national outcry.
The NSPCA also wants information on the origin of the video footage and asked those who filmed the incident, to come forward.
Three learners chased the baboon, affectionately known as Raygun, off the school’s roof on February 6.
The animal was beaten and kicked to death before being set alight.
According to Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter, manager of the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit, Raygun’s hands, feet, head and heart were removed.
According to a statement from the NSPCA, the school management refuses to identify the culprits. The principal allegedly refuses to 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 tried to investigate the school about Raygun’s death.
“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 NSPCA announced a large-scale programme to educate children and adults about the sentience of animals, their protection under the law, and what to do when wildlife is encountered in built-up areas.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation 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.
Also read:
Graphic content warning: High school learners in Botleng brutally kill baboon
NSPCA Wildlife Protection Unit investigates killing of Raygun in Botleng
