‘Witchcraft monkey’ hunted by angry mob
A crowd of approximately 500 people from Ramaphosa assaulted a male adult vervet monkey with various weapons, because they believed the animal was being used in witchcraft.
The incident took place on Saturday, February 21.
According to Boksburg SPCA manager Wilma Steynbergh, an unknown man reported the case of animal cruelty to the society.
Inspector Diale Ratsela immediately attended to the complaint.
“On the inspector’s arrival, he witnessed a big crowd pursuing the monkey with the intention to kill it,” said Steynbergh.
“The motive of the crowd was superstitious beliefs.
“Due to the severe injuries the monkey had sustained and due to time constraints, the only resort that could be taken was for a sharpshooter to humanely end the suffering of the animal.
“We also prevented the monkey from being tortured and, therefore, dying a cruel death.”
Steynbergh said the SPCA was assisted by law enforcement to control the unruly crowd, who wanted to take possession of the dead monkey.
The SPCA emphasised that monkeys or any other animals are sentient beings and have feelings.
“They feel pain like any human being does and should not be tortured or hurt in any way,” Steynbergh said.
“It is an offence under the Animal Protection Act to be cruel and let animals suffer unnecessarily.” – @IschkeBoksburg
