Pretoria’s beloved rogue baboon, Raygun beaten and burnt to death! The tragic death of Raygun the baboon has sparked public outrage, with animal rights activists and residents demanding justice. Reports indicate that Raygun was beaten and set alight by a group of high school learners, prompting calls for the SPCA and police to intervene.
Raygun’s Journey Captivated South Africa
Raygun gained national attention late last month after an unexpected adventure led him from a local wildlife sanctuary to the Department of Arts and Culture’s national archives building.
According to the Owl Rescue Centre, Raygun had escaped from the sanctuary by jumping a fence. His movements were closely followed, with residents tracking his location and sharing updates when he was spotted.
At one point, Raygun was seen perched on the roof of the archives building, observing the world below.
Tracking Raygun’s Journey
Last week, the Owl Rescue Centre confirmed that Raygun had made his way to the Zwavelpoort Valley, near Olympus, just east of Pretoria.
As he continued his unplanned adventure, he was sighted moving through Silverton and heading east. However, concerns grew as Raygun appeared to be approaching the densely populated township of Mamelodi.
Many feared for his safety, given the potential dangers of wandering into urban areas where wild animals are often misunderstood and mistreated.
The Tragic Attack at a Local School
According to reports, Raygun was last seen on the roof of a school, where learners began throwing objects at him while screaming.
Footage from social media shows a confused and frightened Raygun running back and forth on the roof, trying to escape.
Tragically, in a separate video, learners can be seen beating the helpless baboon before setting him on fire.
The barbaric attack has shocked South Africans, leading to a widespread public outcry.
Watch:
Residents and Animal Welfare Groups Demand Justice
In response to Raygun’s brutal death, residents are demanding action against the perpetrators.
The Tshwane SPCA has been flooded with comments from outraged residents, many of whom are calling for criminal charges against the learners responsible.
One resident commented:
“There needs to be repercussions for this. Totally barbaric and disgusting.”
Another added:
“How could young people commit such an inhumane act? We need stricter laws against animal cruelty!”
Animal rights activists and concerned citizens have urged the police, SPCA, and local authorities to launch an official investigation into Raygun’s senseless killing.
Legal Implications: Could the Learners Face Criminal Charges?
Under South African law, animal cruelty is a serious offense. The Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 states that any person who maims, tortures, or kills an animal can face prosecution.
If the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) and police investigate the case, the learners involved could face legal consequences for their actions.
Furthermore, animal rights organizations believe that education on wildlife conservation should be incorporated into school curriculums to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Awaiting Official Comment
IOL has reached out to the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) for an official statement, but no response has been issued yet.
Meanwhile, South Africans continue to express grief and anger over the horrific treatment of Raygun, with many emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and justice.
As authorities and welfare organizations assess their next steps, one thing remains clear: Raygun’s tragic death has sparked a national conversation about animal cruelty, responsibility, and the protection of South Africa’s wildlife.
In other news – Oscar Mbo treats himself to a luxury BMW X5M – WATCH
South African influencer and DJ Oscar Mbo has once again made headlines—this time for spoiling himself with a high-end BMW SUV. The popular DJ, whose real name is Mbongeni Ndlovu, is widely recognized for his exceptional DJing skills, stylish fashion choices, and vibrant online presence.
This week, he took to social media to showcase his latest purchase: a BMW X5M, an elite vehicle known for its luxury, power, and speed. The flamboyant DJ shared a video clip on his social media platforms, capturing the moment he collected the BMW X5M. The post quickly gained traction, with thousands of fans congratulating him on his new ride. Read More
