WARNING: The details below could upset sensitive readers
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has urged eyewitnesses to come forward, offering an R20,000 reward for information that will lead to the successful conviction of those involved in the brutal killing of a male Chacma baboon in Delmas, Mpumalanga.
The baboon, affectionately known as “Raygun,” was chased at Botleng Secondary School, beaten, and set alight. Raygun’s body was later mutilated, with his hands, feet, head and heart cut from his body.
The disturbing video footage went viral on Friday 7 February, but the NSPCA says the individual who filmed the killing of Raygun has yet to come forward. They also claim school management is refusing to identify those responsible.
Raygun – the baboon who was attempting to reach safety but was eventually cornered by the locals of Botleng Secondary School – he was stoned, beaten and eventually set alight because South Africas default setting is to pick up a rock when encountering the unknown. pic.twitter.com/Y6HTnz2Q5X
— k9_reaper | T.I.A (@k9_reaper) February 10, 2025
NSPCA Communications Manager Jacques Peacock says after consulting with the school management, who are responsible for the approximately 1,800 children on the property, it became clear that the matter is deeply rooted in superstition regarding baboons used in witchcraft.
“The NSPCA was informed that the community, who allegedly initiated the chase after Raygun, requested the school to notify them if any authority attempted to investigate at the school about Raygun’s death.”
According to Peacock, the school principal refuses to provide the names of the three learners who were seen chasing Raygun on the school’s roof.
He says that according to the school, ten children fainted earlier that morning, leading to the belief that the baboon was sent to cast a spell.
Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter says no animal should ever endure such suffering and agony.
“We are horrified by this level of cruelty. Raygun was in search of freedom, in a new territory – something all baboons do instinctively.”
The NSPCA says it will embark on a large-scale programme to educate children and adults about animals’ sentience, their legal protection, and what to do when they encounter wildlife in built-up areas.
Students who tortured and killed dispersing Baboon, could be future serial murderers and rapists
Raygun was a male dispersing baboon attempting to traverse a hostile, human-infested landscape to reach the safety of another troop. Tragically, just before reaching safety, he was… pic.twitter.com/adBhY4LZ9o
— Nicole Barlow (@Nicole_Barlow1) February 8, 2025
A petition was started to hold the school accountable.
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.
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