Joe Mcgluwa, the ID Spokesperson for Home Affairs has called for the rehabilitation of around 200 baboons at the Beit Bridge border post in Limpopo that are reportedly responsible for stealing from and terrorizing pedestrians, motorists, truckers and customs officials.

According to newspaper reports the 200 baboons have become experts at opening bags they have stolen from humans to get to food.

‘Our starting point in finding a solution to this problem must be that we recognize that this situation is always a result of humans feeding baboons despite the fact that it is illegal,’ Mr Mcgluwa says.

‘But a solution needs to be found soon because the Beit Bridge border post needs to be run efficiently in the run-up to the World Cup and beyond.

‘We have seen it happening again and again that in spite of signs prohibiting the feeding of baboons, and quite sizeable fines, people insist on doing it anyway. Perhaps we need to look at increasing fines and jail sentences going forward,’ says the ID Member of Parliament.

‘We cannot allow a situation whereby baboons are interfering with visitors to the World Cup. During an oversight visit to Beit Bridge with Home Affairs I found it quite disturbing to watch some of the baboons jumping from truck to truck and this problem is now obviously completely out of control.’

For media enquiries, please call Joe Mcgluwa on 084 213 3811