The brutal killing of Raygun the baboon by schoolchildren in Mpumalanga has ignited outrage and a petition for justice, highlighting the need for accountability and animal welfare education. A baboon named Raygun was brutally killed at the hands of schoolchildren in Mpumalanga and buried under a Marula treee. SUPPLIED
RAPULA MOATSHE
The horrific killing of a baboon named Raygun on Friday at the hands of schoolchildren at Botleng Secondary School in Delmas, Mpumalanga, has sparked widespread outrage and concern, prompting the launch of an online petition demanding justice for the slain primate.
Raygun, a charismatic baboon, had recently won over the hearts of Pretoria East residents after being spotted roaming the area.
Local wildlife organisations and residents joined hands to safely relocate him to the Zwavelpoort Valley near Olympus, east of Pretoria.
The Owl Rescue Centre, the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and the Pretoria East Joint Operations Centre worked tirelessly to relocate the baboon.
The successful relocation was met with widespread celebration by residents, who took to social media to express their affection for Raygun.
However, the celebration was short-lived as it was later discovered that Raygun had escaped from his sanctuary and had made his way to Delmas.
There, he was spotted by schoolchildren on the school's rooftop, where he was stoned and burned to death.
Many have since taken to social media to condemn Raygun’s senseless killing and an online petition has been started to call for justice for the baboon.
The petition seeking justice for Raygun is gaining traction, with over 1,926 signatures collected by Sunday with the aim to reach a target of at least 2,500 signatures.
Dr Tristán Kapp, the founder of the campaign, expressed concern over the recent brutal attack and killing of Raygun.
“This act of cruelty not only reflects on the individuals involved but also raises serious concerns about the school's oversight and responsibility in preventing such behaviour,” read the petition.
The petitioners are calling for accountability and action from the school, demanding that the administration conduct a thorough internal investigation to determine how Raygun’s killing was allowed to happen on school grounds.
“The school should develop and enforce strict policies against animal cruelty, ensuring that all students and staff are aware of the ethical and legal implications of such actions,” read the petition.
According to the petition, the school should collaborate with local animal welfare organisations to develop and implement educational programmes, teaching learners about the importance of wildlife conservation.
The petition emphasised that seeking justice for Raygun goes beyond addressing the individual act of cruelty, but it is also about holding the Department of Basic Education accountable for upholding values of compassion within schools.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has not responded to requests for comment.
Tshwane SPCA expressed their deep sadness, saying the matter has been escalated to the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) as the animal was killed outside of the Tshwane district.
The Owl Rescue Centre said: “A few days ago we posted an update on the location of Raygun the baboon. He had safely navigated his way through the suburbs and industrial areas of Pretoria and had finally reached an agricultural area full of crop farms and game reserves. He was in our opinion in safe territory.”
Sadly, the organisation said, Raygun made a wrong turn 40km further on his adventure and landed up on the school’s rooftop just outside of Delmas.
The organisation said learners at the school brutally stoned and kicked him.
They tied him up with wire, placed car tyres around his body and set him alight. He burnt to death,” it said.
The organisation said Raygun’s remains were buried on Saturday under a Marula tree.
rapula.moatshe@in.co.za
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