In just over a week, two baboons have been shot and killed in Simon's Town by unknown persons, leading the Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC) to engage a private investigator to assist in finding the perpetrators.
The first incident took place on April 5 in Palace Hill Road, where well-loved baboon, dubbed “Blondie”, was found dead with a wound believed to have been made by a bullet from a firearm.
On April 13, in Dolphin Way, Simon’s Kloof, another baboon was found fatally shot.
Lynda Silk, chairperson of CPCC, a non-profit organisation, said they have enlisted the assistance of a private investigator.
“CPCC is deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent deaths of two adult male baboons in Simon’s Town," she said.
“It is extremely disturbing that in an elite suburb residents might hold themselves above the law and take the life of a baboon.
“It is illegal to discharge a firearm or air gun in a built-up area, and it is a criminal offence to hunt or harm baboons.
"Despite this, there is growing public frustration at the apparent lack of accountability in cases of deliberate baboon killings.
"In response, CPCC has engaged a qualified, ethical private investigator to assist authorities in identifying, investigating and prosecuting those responsible.
"Our intention is to be a support to authorities in this regard and to work in collaboration.
"We urge members of the public to come forward with any information, especially CCTV footage or eyewitness accounts. Any tips, no matter how small, could help bring justice to these cruel killings.”
CPCC said they had been following Blondie's journey along coastal communities such as Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town, Kalk Bay and Clovelly, to Elsie’s Peak and Glencairn.
Silk said a person found guilty of hunting baboons can be fined up to R80 000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said: “This office can confirm that a Facebook article was made by Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation, that a dispersing male baboon in Simon's Town was allegedly shot at Palace Hill Road on April 5 at approximately 8:30am.
The baboon was taken for necropsy. The outcome is not yet reported to Simon's Town SAPS, therefore no case of cruelty to animals was registered, since no report was made by Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation.”
The Cape Baboon Partnership said they could confirm both incidents and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
“It is with regret that The Cape Baboon Partnership can confirm that a male baboon (WF13) from the Waterfall troop was found deceased on Dolphin Way in Simon’s Kloof on Sunday April 3,” they said.
“The initial examination indicates that he was shot through the chest, most likely with a high powered air rifle.
"This comes just one week after the death of TK66 who died in a similar manner on Palace Hill Road in Simon’s Town."
They added that a private veterinarian has been tasked with carrying out the postmortem on WF13 and will inform the public as soon as they have further information to share.
They said the post mortem investigation for TK66 revealed that the cause of death was a pellet from a high powered air rifle.
“The pellet passed through his chest causing bleeding into both lung cavities. His death was not immediate but it is estimated that he will have passed away within a few minutes of being shot,” they detailed.
Belinda Abraham, Cape of Good Hope SPCA said: "We are aware of both incidents. Shark Spotters are facilitating the post mortems and we are awaiting the outcomes which will help us understand whether the baboons were killed instantaneously and if not, the degree of suffering prior to their death.
Even with evidentiary proof of suffering, the SPCA will need eyewitnesses to come forward with reports that could help us identify a perpetrator. Callers may remain anonymous.
Please call 0217004158/9 or send an email to [email protected] or make a report online via our report cruelty reporting form https://capespca.co.za/services/inspectorate-department/report-cruelty/
Cape Argus