The situation regarding the investigation of the shooting in Betty’s Bay of our key adult male baboon, known as Brutus, has been entirely unsatisfactory.
HWS Monthly Report for Overstrand – February 2022
On 26 February BBM3 and 2 other baboons (an adult female and a juvenile) entered a non-urban property east of Sunny Seas. While the baboon was inside the property two shots were heard by HWS Field Rangers. BBM3 was seen approximately 13 minutes later leaving the property with blood visible on his chest, but otherwise his movement did not seem impaired. Later it was noticed that BBM3 had slowed down and was not keeping up with the troop. A vet was called out to assess the extent of his injuries. BBM3 was anaesthetized and assessed by two vets in the field and then taken to a clinic for X-rays to be taken. After thorough assessments at the veterinary clinic, it was decided euthanasia would be the most humane approach because BBM3 had suffered extensive injuries from gunshot wounds.
This illustrates that the HWS Field Rangers had heard two shots being fired at Brutus (BBM3) on a specific property. They therefore know from which property the shots were fired.
As at 22 April 22, the HWS ranger on duty, whose identity is known, has not yet been interviewed by the police. The police was unable to share any further information. This is nearly two months later.