Cape Town - Fed-up Kommetjie residents have clashed with baboon rights activists over a nuisance troop that continues to terrorise the community.
Belinda Abraham of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA said their teams were called to the scene in Kommetjie on Sunday, where a group of residents had attacked the troop of baboons using sticks and pepper spray.
“This aggressive and unlawful act saw residents wielding sticks and using pepper spray against the baboons as they neared the town to roost, causing significant distress and harm to the animals,” she said.
Abraham said the situation escalated when animal activists tried to intervene, but resulted in a clash with the community.
“Regrettably, one baboon severely impacted by pepper spray suffered visual impairment and, in a disoriented state, was further injured by electrocution on an electric fence while attempting to escape,” she said.
“The Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspectors were called to the scene and promptly intervened, rescuing the baboon and transporting it to our Wildlife Department for urgent care.
“Despite our best efforts, the animal’s prognosis remains uncertain. Additionally, we have approached CapeNature to explore further charges under the Nature Conservation Ordinance.”
Patrick Dowling, of the Kommetjie Residents and Ratepayers’ Association, said residents who were affected by the baboons damaging their homes and wounding their animals, were calling on authorities to implement measures set down during a peaceful protest, which did not end well.
“These are residents who are most affected, as their dogs have been attacked and injured, and their homes damaged or food destroyed. (They) were frustrated that there was no action from the City.
“… Tempers flared and threats were made between people and a baboon apparently pepper sprayed.”
Jenni Trethowan, founder of Baboon Matters Trust, said it was time for regulation instituted by the Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team to be implemented.
“We are appalled by what took place in Kommetjie, while we can understand that residents feel frustrated by the inaction of authorities, it is wrong to blame the baboons,” she said.
“What we are understanding is that baboons are going into Kommetjie on a regular basis. The joint authorities have not implemented the solutions they have agreed to and discussed for the past 20 years. It is no wonder that residents do feel frustrated.
“That is why Baboon Matters is supporting Ryno Engelbrecht’s court action to hold the authorities accountable, by getting a court order… ” Trethowan said.
The details of the court order would be made available publicly at a later stage she said.
Last month, the baboon management task team consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City, called on communities living in affected areas, and organisations, to nominate representatives to serve on the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group.
They also called for meetings with residents to discuss the history and movement of the baboon troop specific to an area, interventions and solutions to be implemented, and the transitioning period.