An on-the-run baboon was killed in Alrode, Alberton, on Monday after numerous efforts to immobilise the animal failed, Ekurhuleni metro police said.
Spokesperson Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago said the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) had struggled to tranquillise the 80kg animal that had been spotted in Germiston and Alberton for weeks.
”It was seen for the past couple of weeks, but nobody could tell where it came from,” he said in response to being asked whether the animal belonged to a zoo.
The baboon was killed for fear of it carrying diseases and attacking people, Kgasago added.
”Based on its aggressive behaviour, stealing food from people, especially small kids, and not knowing whether the animal carried any diseases, compelled the EMPD [Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department] specialised unit to take it out.”
The baboon, killed at Trident Steel Company in Alrode, was later taken to the Alberton SPCA. — Sapa