Animal welfare groups demand justice for Chacma baboon slaughter

A R5 000 reward has been offered for information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in the killing of an adult Chacma baboon, which was allegedly butchered for human consumption in Ocean View.

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

Disturbing footage of the incident has surfaced on social media, showing the slaughter of the protected species.

The video, which started 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 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 another threat: barbaric killings for bushmeat."