https://capespca.co.za/wildlife-news/the-devastating-truth-about-pellet-guns-and-baboons/

"Despite numerous educational efforts and legislative measures, the use of pellet guns as a weapon to "deter" baboons remains common place on the Cape Peninsula, with pellet gun injuries remaining one of the leading causes of death for peninsula baboons. 

When it comes to their use, pellet guns, or "air guns" hold a perception amongst residents as being "mostly harmless" and are even considered as toy guns by some.

Public perception of the damage that these weapons can cause is not in line with the actual injuries that they can inflict both on humans and wildlife.  Even when fired from a distance the pellets fired from these air guns can cause tissue damage similar to that inflicted by small calibre bullets fired from rifles and handguns. 

Baboons are classified as protected animals in the Western Cape and shooting them with a pellet gun can lead to prosecution, imprisonment, and the implementation of fines. 

The applicable penalty under Section 86(1)(c)c is a fine not exceeding R80 000.00 or both such fine and imprisonment.

Then there is the Animal Protection Act No 71 of 1962 that outlaws any activity deemed as animal cruelty, where shooting and or harming a baboon unnecessarily would be considered an act of cruelty.  A fine of up to R40 000.00 and or 12 months imprisonment can be imposed by the magistrate upon conviction and such conviction bears a criminal record.

In order for protection to occur, a witness statement and or evidence of the even is required.  

If you witness an incident, video or photographic evidence is important. Please report this to Cape Nature, law enforcement and the SPCA."