The brutal killing of a male Chacma baboon named Raygun has ignited widespread outrage and calls for justice across South Africa and beyond.

The incident, which took place at Botleng Secondary School in Delmas, Mpumalanga, has shed light on the deep-rooted superstitions and human-wildlife conflicts that still persist in certain communities.

The Incident

Raygun had been tracked as he navigated through suburban Pretoria, instinctively searching for new territory. However, his journey took a devastating turn when he arrived at Botleng Secondary School. A group of students, driven by fear and superstition, chased the baboon, beat him, and ultimately set him on fire. His body was then mutilated, with his hands, feet, head, and heart removed—acts that indicate potential use in ritualistic practices.

Video footage of the attack surfaced online on February 7, 2025, causing widespread horror. Despite the evidence, school management has refused to identify the perpetrators. Reports suggest that ten children had fainted earlier that morning, leading to the belief that Raygun was an omen or had been sent to cast a spell. This notion, deeply embedded in local superstition, may have contributed to the savage attack.

Investigation and Challenges

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has launched an investigation into Raygun’s killing, offering a R20,000 reward for information leading to a successful conviction. However, their efforts have been met with resistance. The school principal, who admitted to witnessing part of the chaos, has refused to name the students involved. Additionally, the community has reportedly rallied to protect one another, further complicating the investigation.

“We are horrified by this level of cruelty. Raygun was in search of freedom in a new territory—something all baboons do instinctively,” says Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter, Manager of the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit. “No animal should ever endure such suffering and agony.”

The NSPCA is urging those who filmed the attack to come forward and assist in identifying the individuals responsible. Given the school’s reluctance to cooperate, public support is critical in ensuring justice for Raygun.

The Role of Superstition in Human-Wildlife Conflict

Raygun’s case is a stark reminder of how superstition continues to fuel violence against animals. In many African cultures, baboons and other wildlife are often linked to witchcraft and supernatural beliefs. This can lead to their persecution, as seen in Raygun’s tragic demise. Education and awareness are essential in dismantling such harmful myths and fostering a more compassionate approach to wildlife.

The Call for Justice

The hashtag #JusticeForRaygun has gained momentum on social media, with thousands demanding accountability and stronger protections for wildlife. Petitions have been launched, urging authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators and to implement educational programs addressing animal cruelty.

Raygun’s death must not be in vain. It serves as a painful but urgent reminder of the need for stricter laws, stronger enforcement, and increased education on wildlife conservation. While justice for Raygun is still being sought, his story has already sparked a crucial conversation about the ethical treatment of animals and the need to challenge destructive superstitions.

Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact the NSPCA and help bring those responsible to justice. The NSPCA emphasizes the need for education on wildlife conservation and animal sentience to prevent future tragedies.

Only by standing together can we ensure that such cruelty is never repeated, take the leap Sign the petition and make a Donation. 

Understanding the Deeper Conflict Between Humans and Baboons

Sandra Swart, a researcher specializing in animal and human history, sheds light on the complex and often cruel history of human-baboon encounters in South Africa. Her insights provide a deeper understanding of why baboons, more than other animals, have been targeted in superstition and conflict.

Baboons are highly intelligent, inquisitive, and socially complex creatures. They have learned to navigate human environments in search of food, often raiding orchards, rubbish bins, and kitchens. This behavior has led to conflict with humans, sometimes resulting in violent responses. Some baboons lose their natural fear of people and use scare tactics to obtain food, further escalating tensions.

Beyond simple human-wildlife conflict, baboons also hold a significant place in local folklore. In some traditions, baboons are linked to the tokoloshe, a supernatural man-beast in South African mythology, believed to bring misfortune. Some South Africans even avoid saying the word “baboon,” instead using euphemisms like “mountain thing.”

Historically, baboons were respected and even revered by some indigenous groups. The AmaTola and VhaLaudzi people considered baboons totem animals, while the /Xam San and Nguni people used baboon-associated root medicines for protection and healing. However, as societies shifted from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled farming, baboons became seen as pests threatening food security. This shift, combined with supernatural beliefs, cemented baboons’ role as creatures “out of place”—and, in some cases, scapegoats for misfortune.

Young male baboons like Raygun often leave their troops in search of new mates, a crucial process for genetic diversity. However, their instinctive journeys now take them into human-dominated landscapes, where they are seen as intruders rather than natural wanderers. Tragically, this makes them even more vulnerable to violence. Humans build homes in areas baboons once lived in and then regard them as pests.

The case of Raygun underscores the need for both law enforcement and education. While legal action against perpetrators of animal cruelty is essential, lasting change will only come through education initiatives that dispel harmful myths and encourage coexistence with wildlife. Community leaders, educators, and the media must work together to shift perspectives on baboons and foster greater understanding of their natural behavior.

Ultimately, removing fear and superstition is the key to preventing future tragedies like Raygun’s. With greater awareness and respect for wildlife, we can build a future where humans and baboons coexist peacefully rather than in conflict. – TheConversation