Turmoil in Kommetjie: Community Divided Over Baboon Management Amid SPCA’s Call for Justice

The small community of Kommetjie in Cape Town is finding itself at the center of a heated issue as tensions regarding baboon management rise. A recent peaceful protest, set to highlight local frustrations with the presence of baboons, took a violent turn when a baboon was pepper-sprayed, resulting in the animal suffering visual impairment and further injuries.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is now seeking the resident responsible for the pepper-spraying incident amid escalating human-baboon conflicts in the area. Local authorities' failure to provide adequate resources for baboon management is being cited as a significant factor that has led to increased altercations.

The SPCA confirmed the injury to the baboon and its disorientation resulting in an encounter with an electrified fence. Consequently, the animal's prognosis is uncertain despite the intervention by inspectors and the provision of urgent care at the SPCA’s wildlife department.

Patrick Dowling, the acting chairperson of the Kommetjie Residents and Ratepayers Association, endeavored to mediate between advocates for the baboons and residents opposing them. Exchanges of harsh words marked the protest. Some residents even resorted to carrying sticks, which they allegedly used against the animals.

Susan Hume, an artist and local resident, expressed her distress over witnessing the injured baboon, empathizing with the damage caused by the animals but condemning animal cruelty. She pointed toward the need for greater help and criticized the local authorities for the lack of support.

At the heart of the issue is the habituation problem and insufficient resources allocated to baboon rangers, leading to more frequent property and vehicle damages by baboons. As Dowling outlines, there is a palpable build-up of frustration among the community members due to this lackadaisical approach from the officials.

The NCC Environmental Services, contracted by the city, currently monitors most baboon troops on the Cape Peninsula. However, the termination of the city-contracted service at the end of the year creates additional anxiety regarding future management of baboons.

The community's plea for better resourced and regulated strategies for baboon and waste management spans decades. An online survey currently circulating in Kommetjie indicates that the majority of respondents have suffered property damage due to baboons and half are open to financially supporting baboon rangers.

The SPCA has announced a thorough investigation into the incident and is gathering evidence for a criminal case of animal cruelty as per South Africa’s Animals Protection Act. In addition, it has reached out to CapeNature to consider further charges under the Nature Conservation Ordinance.

Ultimately, there is a clear divide within the Kommetjie community on the baboon issue, with a legal battle looming—four applicants are set to hold local authorities accountable for their failure to manage baboon strategies. This case is set to be heard in the Western Cape High Court.