Up to R50 500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting and killing Thunder, the baboon.
The advocacy group Baboon Matters Trust initially established a baseline reward of R1 000 for any witness whose information leads to an arrest and successful prosecution. Local residents and supportive donors have continuously added tax-deductible contributions and extra financial pledges over and above the baseline amount to increase the pool. The reward comprises R30 500, with an additional donor pledge of R20 000 also announced. Thunder was shot in Betty’s Bay on 19 September.
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According to the poster, the additional pledge is payable upon the arrest and conviction of the shooter.
The appeal comes amid continued concern over the circumstances surrounding Thunder’s death. An autopsy previously confirmed that Thunder died from a wound caused by an air-gun pellet.
Investigators reportedly found 20 projectiles in his body, although it could not be established when the other 19 projectiles entered his body.
The circumstances of the shooting have raised questions about the treatment of baboons in the Overstrand area.
