After another baboon was shot dead in Simon’s Town on Sunday, 13 April, the Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC) has decided to conduct its own private investigation. They aim to uncover the causes of these deaths.
The male baboon (WF13) of the Waterfall troop was found dead on Dolphin Way in Simon’s Kloof, according to the Cape Baboon Partnership (CBP) spokesperson Kim Leeuwner.
“The initial examination indicates he was shot through the chest, most likely with a high-powered air rifle.”
According to activists, too many baboons with air-rifle wounds have been discovered across the Peninsula. They are now calling on the community to report these crimes
The killing comes just a week after the death of TK66, popularly known as Blondie, who died in a similar manner on Palace Hill Road in Simon’s Town (“Cape Town activists demand justice after beloved baboon ‘Blondie’ killed”, People’s Post 16 April).
In the wake of WF13’s killing, the Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC) said it was ready to proceed with a private investigation to support authorities in apprehending the shooter(s).
Spokesperson Lynda Silk said: “We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent deaths of two adult male baboons in Simon’s Town. Just eight days later, after Blondie was found, on Sunday 13 April, a second baboon, WF13, was discovered dead in Dolphin Way, Simon’s Kloof, also suspected to have been fatally shot. It is extremely disturbing that in an elite suburb residents hold themselves above the law and take the life of a baboon.
“Our intention is to be a support to authorities in this regard and to work in collaboration. We urge members of the public to come forward with any information, especially CCTV footage or eyewitness accounts.”
An investigation into the death of WF13 has been initiated, but is in the early stages. “A private veterinarian has been tasked with carrying out the post mortem on WF13 and will inform the public as soon as we have further information to share,” Leeuwner said. “We would like to appeal to any potential eye witnesses who can assist with our investigations to please come forward so that we can ensure that the shooter is held to account. We also appeal to the public not to take the law into their own hands when baboons are in their area.”
Belinda Abraham, spokesperson at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, said: “We are aware there has been another shooting incident. We are awaiting the outcomes of the post mortems that Shark Spotters are facilitating.”
The CBP confirmed that the post mortem investigation for Blondie (TK66) revealed that the cause of death was a pellet from a high powered air rifle. “The pellet passed through his chest causing bleeding into both lung cavities. His death was not immediate, but it is estimated that he will have passed away within a few minutes of being shot,” she said.
Updates on the cause of death for WF13 will be made available to the public as soon as the investigation is complete, according to Leeuwner.
People’s Post reached out to the Simon’s Town Ratepayers’ Association for comment, but it had not responded at the time of going to print.
Said Abraham: “We welcome reports from eyewitnesses and anybody with any information on what happened to WF13 can contact our inspectorate directly on 021 700 4158/9 (24-hour number), email inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za or make a report online using the link https://capespca.co.za/services/inspectorate-department/report-cruelty/. Reports can be made anonymously.”
