The South African Navy is using paintball guns against baboons.
The South African Navy has been firing paintball guns at baboons
The country's largest naval base in Simon's Town has been under siege after dozens of the primates seized a corner of the barracks, from which they are stealing from the navy's kitchens as well as nearby restaurants and homes.
The navy are unable to use any of their weapons and have been forced to turn to paintball guns as the baboons enjoy legal protection.
Shopkeepers in the area say baboons pinching fruit and biscuits is a daily occurrence and residents have described being imprisoned in their homes by the animals.
Robert de Vos, who resides in the town, told South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper: "Even through the middle of summer you don't open any windows to get fresh air because you may find a baboon sitting on your bed in the morning."