The SPCA in Kariega is investigating the slaughter of a Chacma baboon allegedly killed on the streets of Despatch.
A video of the incident, which was widely circulated on social media earlier this week, evoked a strong reaction from animal welfare organisations who called it “deeply disturbing” and “inhumane.”
Whilst the incident was previously believed to have occurred in Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has since confirmed that the baboon slaughter happened in the Eastern Cape.
“Following a thorough investigation by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, it has been confirmed that the shocking incident involving the slaughter of a Chacma baboon did not take place in Ocean View, Cape Town, as initially reported by various sources,” a statement read.
“The incident occurred in Despatch, Eastern Cape. We have now formally handed the matter over to the SPCA Uitenhage, who have jurisdiction in the area, for further investigation and action.”
In a social media post, the SPCA Uitenhage is calling on witnesses to come forward.
“On July 1, the SPCA Uitenhage and District received a report of a Chacma baboon being slaughtered at the corner of Tulbagh Street and Botha Street in Despatch,” the post read.
“Unfortunately, by the time our team arrived, the perpetrators had already left the scene and no carcass was found. Despite ongoing efforts, we have yet to identify those responsible.”
A reward of R5,000 for credible information that leads to an arrest and successful prosecution is being sponsored by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
“We are now urgently calling on the public for assistance to help bring those involved to justice.”
SPCA Uitenhage chair Deirdre Swift commented that an investigation is underway to determine where the baboon actually came from the area or was brought into Despatch.
“We don’t know of baboons having been in that area at all which is the problem,” she shared with the PE Express. “We don’t know if they killed the baboon or found the carcass, so we have all these questions, and it is difficult to establish how the baboon ended up there which is why we need to find the people in the video.”
