City of Cape Town concerned after baboon programme officials threatened

The City of Cape Town has expressed concern after its officials on the Urban Baboon Programme were threatened and intimidated.

CAPE TOWN, November 20 (ANA) – The City of Cape Town has expressed concern after its officials on the Urban Baboon Programme were threatened and intimidated.

In a statement released on Friday, the city council said one official has been threatened and had his personal property vandalised. A case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The city council said the threat was sent to the official’s cellphone with the message that he has been warned and that “Kataza, the male chacma baboon from the Slangkop troop in the Kommetjie area, is untouchable”.

It said it could not divulge more information for the safety of the official and his family.

Mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt said they were noticing a trend in officials being targeted and vilified by those who do not approve of the baboon programme.

“It is very distressing that it has now reached a point where an official is threatened with physical harm shortly after his personal property was vandalised.

“This is over and above the hate mails, abusive messages and insults aimed at staff who are, as part of their duties, involved in managing this programme.

“These intimidation and bullying tactics are absolutely shocking and unacceptable,” Nieuwoudt said.

There is also a concern about baboon rangers who are being interfered with during their task of keeping baboon troops out of the urban environment in the Kommetjie area.

City council said residents were also ignoring its request not to follow or feed Kataza.

It has also received information that rangers from the environmental services are being prevented from carrying out their duties.

“I’m very concerned as this interference will give way to an increase in baboon raiding in the area and damage to private property.

“Some residents have already contacted the City with complaints about the impact this is having on their quality of life as they have to stay indoors and lock all windows and doors while the baboon troop is moving through town.

“Adding to this challenge is that the residents who actually support the programme are reluctant to do so in public out of fear of being targeted and vilified by those who are opposing efforts to keep the baboons out of town.

“Given the abuse that our officials are being subjected to, this is quite understandable,” Nieuwoudt said.

She is also urging residents in the surrounding area to give Kataza time to adapt to his environment and to refrain from following or feeding him. Residents are also requested to baboon-proof their properties as far as possible.

Kataza is a baboon that belongs to the Slangkop troop. A public outcry broke out after the City of Cape Town removed him from his troop and moved him to Tokai. Earlier this month, Kataza was moved back to his troop, where he is now being monitored to reintegrate.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher