Animal welfare groups react to Chacma baboon slaughter in Eastern Cape
A video of a Chacma baboon slaughtered in Despatch, Eastern Cape, has been shared on social media.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The SPCA Uitenhage has been made aware of a video showing 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.
“This horrific act is not only inhumane but also illegal,” said AWS SA spokesperson Alan Perrins. “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.
“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.”
Following a thorough investigation by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, they have 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.
Spokesperson Belinda Abraham explained 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.
“We extend our thanks to the public for the information shared and for standing with us in the fight against animal cruelty. We will continue to support our colleagues at the SPCA Uitenhage in any way we can.”
Animal rights advocacy group Baboon Matters added its voice to the call for justice, condemning the killing in the strongest terms.
“We were utterly appalled at the reprehensible killing of a baboon as detailed in the CGHSPCA post,” said Baboon Matters founder Jenni Trethowan.
“We call on residents who may have witnessed the awful event to please come forward with information – these killers must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Now is the time for the authorities to act cohesively and decisively.”
Authorities have urged the public not to share the video due to its graphic content, and instead to report it directly to enforcement officials as part of the ongoing investigation.
“Let us stand together and say NO to cruelty. NO to wildlife crimes. YES to justice,” said Perrins.