Setting the record straight

On Saturday, 19 September, the baboon known as Thunder died from a wound caused by an airgun pellet, according to the autopsy report.

He died on the road near my house in Betty’s Bay. Within four hours, I received a message asking if it was true that I had shot Thunder. The rumour mill of false allegations had started.

Over the ensuing weeks, I have remained largely silent, trusting that the facts would emerge. Sadly, the accusations continued.

These have had very real consequences. They have been repeated on social media, communicated to my employer and professional contacts, and resulted in four separate protests outside the home I share with my wife and young son.

I have been accused, directly and indirectly, of killing Thunder. I did not.

Because a police investigation had been initiated, I refrained from engaging in public argument or trying to defend myself through social media. I appointed an attorney and allowed the appropriate process to take its course.

I have since been advised by my attorney, following his communication with the prosecutor in Caledon, that there is no case against me.

That is an important development, but it does not undo the damage already caused.

In a small community, an allegation can spread quickly. In this instance, serious accusations were circulated before the circumstances surrounding Thunder’s death had been properly established.

I have preserved relevant material from the day, including CCTV footage, cellphone records, photographs, WhatsApp communications and other material. This evidence will be dealt with through the appropriate channels if necessary.

What concerns me is the harm caused by the publication and repetition of unsubstantiated allegations.

My reputation is central to my livelihood. I have worked for many years in this community and built my career on relationships of trust with residents, buyers and sellers. The suggestion that I deliberately killed an animal has caused obvious reputational harm.

More importantly, the matter has affected my family. Whatever views people may hold about baboon management in Betty’s Bay, repeatedly gathering outside my family home on the strength of an unproven accusation crosses a line.

I fully support the proper investigation of any unlawful killing of wildlife. But concern for wildlife cannot justify treating suspicion as proof, nor does repeating an allegation make it true.

My attorney is addressing a number of issues that we believe require correction, withdrawal, or other appropriate action.

We all deserve to live in a community built on fairness, respect and consideration for others. That requires each of us to think carefully before making or repeating accusations that can cause lasting damage to another. A fair-minded community does not condemn people on rumour; it insists on evidence before passing judgement.

FROM: Tim Starke – Betty’s Bay

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