Kleinmond Police investigates baboon killing in Betty's Bay

Kleinmond police are investigating the killing of an adult baboon in Betty’s Bay on Saturday, 19 September 2026. According to police, the case was opened after the Baboon monitor noticed the baboon, locally known as “Thunder”, collapsed on the ground on Bass Road, Betty’s Bay.

Officials from Overstrand Municipal Baboon Management, Cape Nature, Law Enforcement, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) reportedly responded to the scene and assisted with the on-site investigation.

According to police Captain F.C Van Wyk, the Baboon monitor noticed a blood trail, and he confirmed that he did not hear any gunshots or see anybody shooting the baboons while he was walking with them. Van Wyk says no arrests have been made yet as the investigation continues.

“Kleinmond police registered a killing an animal in contravention of a prohibition in terms of a notice published in the Gazette under section 2(3) case following a shooting incident of a baboon.”

In a statement, the Overstrand Municipality confirmed that a suspected entry wound was found on the left side of the baboon’s chest. The body of the adult male baboon, BBM2, was taken to the Caledon Veterinary Clinic for a full autopsy.

According to the municipality, the autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was blood loss due to an airgun pellet. The pellet allegedly entered the body at the left chest near the vertebrae and severed the arteries between the aorta and left kidney.

“A large amount of blood was found in the abdominal cavity and in the perirenal space, and the airgun pellet was found within the fresh blood of the perirenal space.”

X-rays reportedly also revealed a total of 20 projectiles, with the pellet found in the perirenal space as the cause of death. The age and the origin of these additional projectiles could not be determined, and no other abnormalities were noted.

The municipality has urged anyone with any information that could assist the investigation to contact Kleinmond SAPS on 028 271 8200.

At the same time, it has reminded residents that it is an offence to hunt a baboon without authorisation and such illegal activities could result in penalties such as a fine not exceeding R10 000 or to two years’ imprisonment, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

“The discharging of an airgun or firearm in a built-up area is a contravention of the Firearms Control Act, 60 of 2000, and conviction may result in up to five years’ imprisonment and the convicted person being declared unfit to possess firearms.”

Following the incident, residents in the area have also demanded better baboon management strategies.