The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is offering a R20,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of those responsible for the unfortunate death of a baboon named Raygun in Delmas, Mpumalanga. The male Chacma baboon was reportedly pursued and set alight at Botleng Secondary School on February 6, 2025. The distressing incident gained widespread attention after videos circulated on social media, prompting an outcry from concerned citizens.
Raygun’s remains were discovered with significant damage, including the removal of his hands, feet, head, and heart. Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter has suggested that superstitions involving witchcraft may have played a role in the incident. He emphasized the importance of both legal action and community education to prevent such tragic events in the future. The NSPCA has secured Raygun’s remains for a postmortem and plans to introduce an educational campaign to raise awareness about animal protection.
Eyewitnesses to the incident described the scene, with one resident mentioning that some individuals believed the baboon was linked to witchcraft. Others suggested that it had simply wandered from another area. A student present at the school expressed concern over the situation and encouraged the community to contact the SPCA should they encounter wild animals, as many were left unsettled by the event.
The NSPCA is calling on the public to provide any information that may lead to those responsible for Raygun’s death. Anyone with knowledge is urged to reach out to the NSPCA at [email protected] or call 011 907 3590. All information will remain confidential, and any tip-offs will be treated with the utmost discretion.
