The South Australian police officer who filmed himself stoning a wombat to death will not face charges or any form of disciplinary measures for his actions.
Waylon Johncock, a community liaison officer on the Eyre Peninsula, made headlines earlier this year after footage leaked of him killing native wildlife while laughing. However, authorities have chosen not to press charges over the killings after two months of investigation.
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In case you missed the initial story, Johncock was filmed earlier this year getting out of his car and throwing stones at the native animal, which sparked an outcry from animal rights activists.
SAPOL announced their decision on Thursday, stating that Johncock was allowed to hunt native wildlife as part of his traditional Indigenous hunting rights, Daily Mail reports.
‘As a traditional Aboriginal man, [Johncock] has an appropriate permit to hunt wombats for food,’ Commissioner Grant Stevens said in a statement.
“I have been advised that the wombat in the video was killed and eaten. The video shown on social media was part of a longer video that has not been released,” Stevens said.
The decision was made by the South Australian Director of Public Prosecutions after the evidence was presented to him.
As it currently stands, Waylon will not face any disciplinary action or punishment as a result of the incident. However, he has received counselling and “managerial advice” following the ordeal.
Johncock remains a current member of the South Australian Police Force. He has been an employee of SAPOL for 10 years, and primarily works helping non-Indigenous officers get a grasp on the cultural and social issues present in Indigenous communities.
“[He] is well regarded and respected by his colleagues, peers, supervisors, managers and the local community in which he serves,” Commissioner Stevens said. “I have confidence in his abilities to perform his current role as a community constable.”
It is obvious that Johncock’s actions were not supported by the rest of the community, with over 300,000 people signing a petition asking for him to face repercussions for his actions.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens asks members of the public to “respect” the decision regarding Johncock’s case. Stevens admits that he too found the footage “confronting” but hopes that Australians can respect the decision made by authorities.
“I still find some of the content of the video disturbing – I take personal displeasure in seeing any animal distressed, or being killed as the wombat was killed. I know many shared in my shock and dismay,” he said.
“I ask people to show respect for the process undertaken and accept my assurances it has been a robust investigation,” he said. “I ask they show respect for those involved in the incident.”
Johncock was exempt from charges because his actions were considered to be traditional Indigenous hunting acts.
According to the 1993 Native Title Act, Indigenous people reserve certain rights that can be considered ancient cultural customs under Australian law. This act includes but is not limited to hunting native animals such as wombats.
