APOLOGY TO OCEAN VIEW RESIDENTS

THE Cape of Good Hope SPCA has cleared up confusion over exactly where a baboon was apparently butchered for human consumption.

A post on the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Facebook page dated 14 July read: “The Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Inspectors have launched an urgent investigation into a horrific case of animal cruelty involving a Chacma Baboon that was slaughtered – allegedly for consumption.

“Disturbing video footage of the incident has been circulating on social media, showing the brutal killing of an adult baboon. The footage was brought to our attention yesterday, and our team immediately jumped into action.

“Today, SPCA Inspectors visited Ocean View, where the incident is believed to have occurred. We are working closely with the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and have requested assistance from their Safety and Security Investigation Unit (SSIU) to support our investigation.”

The Daily Voice published the story in our newspaper on Wednesday 16 July.

The SPCA, however, posted a follow-up on Wednesday 16 July reading: “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…”

The Daily Voice would like to apologise to the residents of Ocean View for the potential harm the article and misleading information caused.