UPDATED: SPCA clears up baboon butchered for human consumption confusion
Organisation confirms incident was in the Eastern Cape, and not Ocean View, as earlier reported
A video of a Chacma baboon slaughtered in Ocean View has been shared on social media.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
A R5 000 reward has been offered for any information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in the brutal killing of an adult Chacma baboon, which was allegedly butchered for human consumption in the Eastern Cape.
Disturbing footage of the incident has surfaced on social media, showing the horrific slaughter of the protected species.
The video, which began circulating on Monday, was brought to the attention of both the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS SA) and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, sparking urgent investigations by both animal welfare organisations.
AWS SA spokesperson Alan Perrins said: “This horrific act is not only inhumane but also illegal. “Chacma baboons are a vulnerable and protected species in South Africa. These intelligent, sentient beings are already under immense pressure from habitat loss, urban encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict. Now, they face yet another threat: barbaric killings for bushmeat.”
Perrins confirmed that AWS SA had immediately alerted CapeNature and its counterparts at the SPCA.
Perrins added: “We are combining resources to ensure the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible. Killing or consuming protected wildlife is a criminal offence, and we will pursue this case with the full weight of the law.”
Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham confirmed that wildlife inspectors visited Ocean View on Monday as part of a joint operation with the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement and Safety and Security Investigation Unit (SSIU).
“Our team immediately jumped into action after receiving the footage,” Abraham said.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities, and our investigation is ongoing. The video is graphic and distressing, and we are determined to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
The SPCA is offering a R5 000 reward for any information that leads to a successful conviction. Their 24/7 Inspectorate Control Room can be contacted at 021 700 4158 or via confidential WhatsApp at 021 700 4140.
The organisation also corrected an earlier update saying the incident took place in Ocean View, by stating: "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.
"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..."