THE National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is offering a R20 000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the brutal killing of a baboon named Raygun.
The male Chacma baboon was allegedly chased, beaten up, and set alight at Botleng Secondary School in Delmas, Mpumalanga, on Thursday, 6 February.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media on Friday, 7 February.
Raygun's body was later mutilated, with his hands, feet, head, and heart removed. Despite the footage, the school's management distanced itself from the incident.
Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter said the incident is believed to be rooted in superstition about baboons used in witchcraft.
"Prosecution, education, or both - justice for Raygun starts with you," said Wolhuter.
The NSPCA retrieved Raygun's remains for a post-mortem and aims to launch a programme to educate communities about animal protection.
Wolhuter expressed horror at animal cruelty and emphasised a need for educating people about animals.
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A resident (36) told Daily Sun while they were watching the incident unfold, some people screamed and called for the baboon to be set alight.
"While the commotion was still happening, one person in the group poured petrol on the baboon, and it was set alight. The baboon was brutally killed and set alight, while most people were saying it belonged to someone in the area," she said.
Another resident (51) said many people associated baboons with witchcraft.
"This is not right because the baboon might have escaped from somewhere and ended up in Delmas."
One of the pupils said: "We need to teach our community to call the SPCA whenever they see wild animals in the area. Everyone was chasing the baboon, and this was a traumatic experience for many of us. The baboon was trying to escape, but there was no way it would because people were all over the place chasing it.
According to the school, 10 pupils fainted earlier that morning, leading to the belief that the baboon was sent to cast some spell. The school principal refused to speak on the matter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the NSPCA at wild3@nspca.co.zaarrow_outward or call 011 907 3590. All tip-offs will remain anonymous.
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