NSPCA offers R20,000 reward for information on the brutal killing of beloved baboon Raygun

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is seeking justice for a male Chacma baboon, affectionately known as “Raygun,” who met an untimely and brutal end in Delmas, Mpumalanga.

Amid this gruesome incident, the NSPCA has announced a reward of R20,000 for any information that could lead to the successful conviction of those responsible.

Witnesses reported shocking details of the incident that occurred near Botleng Secondary School in Delmas, where Raygun was chased, beaten, and ultimately set on fire.

Disturbingly, his body was later discovered mutilated, with his hands, feet, head, and heart removed.

Despite the presence of viral videos documenting the attack, the NSPCA has expressed frustration at the lack of cooperation from the school’s management, which oversees about 1,800 students.

“After consulting with the school management, it became clear that this case is deeply rooted in superstition,” said Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter, Manager of the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit.

He added that beliefs are circulating that baboons are used in witchcraft, complicating efforts to seek justice.

“We are horrified by this level of cruelty. Raygun was simply searching for freedom in a new territory, a natural instinct shared by all baboons,” said Wolhuter.

In response to the incident, Wolhuter announced that the NSPCA is launching a comprehensive educational programme designed to raise awareness about animal sentience and promote responsible wildlife interactions in urban environments. The organisation aims to engage audiences through television and radio campaigns, an initiative that entails considerable financial investment.

“No animal should ever endure such suffering and agony,” said Wolhuter, emphasising the importance of community education in preventing future tragedies.

Raygun shot to fame late last month following reports by the Owl Rescue Centre that he had jumped a fence at a local sanctuary and ended up in the national archives building at the Department of Arts and Culture.

Reports claim that Raygun was sitting on the school roof, and learners were screaming and throwing objects at him.

A bewildered Raygun is seen running back and forth on the roof.

In another video that has been shared on social media, learners are seen beating Raygun and setting him alight.

"According to some residents, a witch doctor came through and cut his hands and head off. The witch doctor also cut his chest open and took out his heart," the centre's Brendan Murray claimed. 

He said Raygun's remains were buried under a Marula tree at a local sanctuary.

"We failed him terribly. We are deeply saddened for the way Raygun was ripped from this world. His death serves as a stern reminder to us of the work we still have left to do to protect wild animals and what a far way the youth need to come to learn respect and appreciation for other living beings," Murray added. 

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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