NATIONAL NEWS - The shocking and brutal killing of Raygun the baboon has sparked outrage and condemnation.
Authorities have vowed to take action, and an investigation is now underway to hold those responsible accountable.
The baboon who had captured the hearts of many during his journey to freedom, was violently beaten and set on fire by schoolchildren in his final moments before reaching the wild.
This horrific incident was caught on camera and shared on social media.
Here’s what is being done to address this tragic incident.
The Mpumalanga education department spokesperson Gerald Sambo said they are deeply shocked and saddened by the incident that took place at Botleng Secondary School in Victor Khanyi Local Municipality where a baboon was reportedly attacked and killed by a group of learners.
“Such actions are completely unacceptable and violate the core values of respect, empathy, and responsibility.
“The Department strongly condemn any form of violence against animals and assert that all living beings, human or animal, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Sambo said this incident highlights the critical need for education on the importance of preserving nature and respecting wildlife.
“Learners must be taught to understand their role in protecting the environment.
“We urge all stakeholders – schools, communities to work together to prevent such incidents in the future.”
He added that this can be done by promoting a deep understanding of wildlife conservation and environmental responsibility.
“The Department has requested a detailed report from the school.”
Meanwhile, the Tshwane SPCA has indicated that the matter has been escalated to the NSPCA as Raygun was killed outside of the Tshwane district.
“We are deeply saddened by the brutal killing of Raygun the baboon. The Tshwane SPCA will proceed to take any complaints from the community regarding the matter and report it to the NSPCA.”
Should you have any information that could assist the NSPCA in their investigation, please report it to our inspector controller to be referred to the appropriate parties at inspectorcontroller@spcapta.org.za
Captain Carla Hartley, Delmas communications officer said the matter was cascaded to the National Council SPCA and Mpumalanga Parksboard.
Owl Rescue Centre’s Brendan Murray shared on Saturday that while rescuers attempted to retrieve Raygun the baboon’s body, their efforts were hindered by unwanted attention, forcing them to leave.
Raygun had safely navigated through Pretoria before taking a wrong turn and ending up at a school near Delmas, where students brutally attacked, stoned, and set him on fire, leading to his death.
Murray described how they later retrieved what remained of Raygun’s body, only to discover it had been further desecrated by a witch doctor.
Raygun was buried at the Sanctuary, with Murray expressing deep sorrow and emphasizing the need for greater protection of wildlife and education on respect for animals.
Meanwhile, Pretoria resident Monique Harmse started a petition calling for justice for Raygun’s killing and to raise awareness about animal cruelty. By Monday, the petition had gained significant support, with over 875 signatures from residents demanding accountability for the perpetrators.
Article: Caxton publication, Pretoria Rekord
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