Justice for Raygun: R20,000 reward offer for info on the brutal killing of beloved baboon
R20,000 reward offer for info on the brutal killing of beloved baboon Raygun! The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is seeking justice for a Chacma baboon, affectionately known as Raygun, who was brutally killed in Delmas, Mpumalanga. The gruesome nature of the incident has shocked animal welfare activists and the public alike, sparking outrage and calls for stricter protections for South Africa’s wildlife.
In an effort to bring the perpetrators to justice, the NSPCA has announced a R20,000 reward for any information leading to a successful conviction.
The Shocking Incident
Witnesses reported that the disturbing attack took place near Botleng Secondary School in Delmas, where Raygun was chased, beaten, and ultimately set on fire. His mutilated remains were later discovered, with his head, hands, feet, and heart removed—a shocking act of brutality that has raised serious concerns about animal cruelty and superstition in certain communities.
Videos of the attack have gone viral, but despite this, the school’s management has reportedly been uncooperative in assisting with the investigation.
“After consulting with the school management, it became clear that this case is deeply rooted in superstition,” said Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter, Manager of the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit.
He explained that some community members believe baboons are used in witchcraft, making it difficult to hold those responsible accountable.
“We are horrified by this level of cruelty. Raygun was simply searching for freedom in a new territory, a natural instinct shared by all baboons,” Wolhuter added.
Calls for Education and Awareness
In response to the shocking brutality, the NSPCA has announced plans to launch an educational programme to raise awareness about animal sentience and promote responsible wildlife interactions.
The programme will include television and radio campaigns, but Wolhuter emphasized that significant financial resources will be needed to effectively change attitudes towards wildlife.
“No animal should ever endure such suffering and agony,” Wolhuter stressed, underscoring the importance of community education in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Raygun’s Rise to Fame and Tragic End
Raygun first captured public attention last month when he made headlines after escaping from a local wildlife sanctuary. According to the Owl Rescue Centre, he had jumped a fence and found himself inside the national archives building at the Department of Arts and Culture.
However, his story took a devastating turn when he ended up near Botleng Secondary School, where students reportedly began screaming, throwing objects, and chasing him.
Videos show a confused Raygun running back and forth on the school’s roof, seemingly terrified.
Another graphic video circulating on social media shows students attacking him, setting him on fire, and then watching as his lifeless body was taken away.
“According to some residents, a witch doctor came through and cut his hands and head off. The witch doctor also cut his chest open and took out his heart,” said Brendan Murray from the Owl Rescue Centre.
After the horrific attack, Raygun’s remains were reportedly buried under a Marula tree at a local sanctuary.
Outrage and Reflection
Animal welfare activists and conservationists have expressed outrage, not only at Raygun’s brutal killing, but also at the mindset that led to such inhumane treatment.
Murray, reflecting on the tragedy, lamented how society had failed Raygun and emphasized the long road ahead in educating young people about respect for wildlife.
“We failed him terribly. We are deeply saddened for the way Raygun was ripped from this world. His death serves as a stern reminder of the work we still have left to do to protect wild animals and how far the youth need to come to learn respect and appreciation for other living beings,” Murray stated.
With the NSPCA offering a reward and the public outcry growing, many are hopeful that those responsible for Raygun’s suffering will be brought to justice.
However, the incident raises broader questions about how South African wildlife is treated and the need for stronger legal protections against animal cruelty.
For now, the fight for justice continues.
