The NSPCA is urging witnesses to provide crucial evidence in the case of Raygun, a baboon brutally attacked and killed at a Mpumalanga school
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is calling for witnesses to come forward as it investigates the brutal killing of Raygun. It is a male chacma baboon, who was beaten and set on fire last month at Botleng Secondary School in Delmas, Mpumalanga.
The organization is offering a R20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for harming Raygun. Also for details about the origin of the video footage that captured the attack.
Videos of the incident surfaced online on Feb. 7, sparking outrage. Despite gathering substantial evidence, the NSPCA said Friday that one critical piece remains missing. Identifying with certainty who delivered the fatal blow.
“To establish beyond reasonable doubt who delivered the fatal blow to Raygun, we require additional evidence. Particularly footage or eyewitness accounts from the moments leading up to his death,” the NSPCA said in a statement.
The organization urged anyone who witnessed the attack, recorded video of Raygun’s final moments on the rooftop, or saw him being thrown to the ground to come forward.
A post-mortem report confirmed that Raygun suffered antemortem trauma, reinforcing the brutality of the crime. However, the NSPCA emphasized that a final, irrefutable piece of evidence is needed to ensure justice is served.
NSPCA Plans To Pursue Charges Against Suspects
Along with identifying those directly responsible, the NSPCA plans to pursue charges against an individual at the school. It alleged that their actions or inaction contributed to Raygun’s suffering.
“We remain steadfast in holding all those responsible to account,” the organization said. “We thank every supporter who has stood with us in our pursuit of justice for Raygun.”
Following the killing, the NSPCA consulted with school officials. They indicated that the incident was influenced by local superstitions linking baboons to witchcraft. The community, which allegedly initiated the chase, reportedly asked the school to notify them if authorities launched an investigation.
The NSPCA also claimed that the school’s principal refused to provide the names of three students seen chasing Raygun on the roof. According to the school, 10 students fainted that morning, leading some to believe the baboon had been sent to cast a spell.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the NSPCA at wild3@nspca.co.za or call 011 907 3590. All tips will remain anonymous.
