Richards Bay monkey shootings spark outrage and hunt for culprits

A R10 000 reward is offered to identify the culprit who shot and killed a vervet monkey in Arboretum.

3 hours ago

Tamlyn Cramer 2 minutes read

After being shot in the windpipe and legs, the monkey somehow dragged itself over the roof of a Maroelamoot house Photo: Supplied

Animal cruelty remains firmly in the spotlight after the inhumane shooting of a vervet monkey in Arboretum last week – with R10 000 offered to anyone who can identify the culprit.

According to Richards Bay wildlife warrior Miriam Otto, the monkey would have experienced a slow, excruciating death.

“The bullet perforated his windpipe, causing air to fill his chest cavity until his lung collapsed,” said Otto.

“He died slowly, gasping, suffocating, fighting desperately for every breath while his body shut down in agony. Imagine the terror and pain of not being able to breathe, of choking to death while fully conscious.”

Otto said the monkey had also been shot in the legs, leaving it unable to escape.

“Terrified, injured and dying, he dragged himself across a woman’s carport searching for safety while you stood there with your rifle,” said Otto, directing her anger at the monkey’s shooter.

“The homeowner was left traumatised by the horrifying sight. She thought there was an intruder on her roof, only to discover this broken, suffering monkey crawling for his life.”

Otto went on to warn the shooter that the other residents in Maroelamoot are keeping a close eye on any further animal cruelty in the area.

Another incident

The shooting of yet another vervet monkey has been reported this week, this time in Pompano Place, in Meerensee.

According to Otto, this is the third monkey to have been shot at the entrance to Pompano Place.

“This mommy has a lactating baby! Not too long ago, we fetched a monkey from across the road; also shot, it fell of an air con and sadly onto paving where the dogs got hold of her,” said Otto.

“Does nobody hear anything? Next time it is an eye of a child! There is no place for shooters among our community, and unless people come forward this pathetic sick trend will carry on,” she said.

Prosecution

According to the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, it is an offence to discharge a firearm in a built-up area or any public place, without a valid, justifiable reason.

Firearms include pellet guns, BB guns and air rifles.

Shooting monkeys can lead to prosecution under the Animals Protection Act, which carries penalties such as heavy fines and even imprisonment.

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