Farmer mistook worker for baboon

Johannes Fourie was given an option to pay a R6 000 fine to avoid imprisonment, the broadcaster reported.

He shot and injured one of his workers, apparently mistaking him for a baboon.

According to the report, the court withdrew the charge of attempted murder due to lack of evidence.

Fourie had approached the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria a few years ago challenging the State's decision to charge him with attempted murder.

In a separate court case a farmer, Julie Crossberg, accused of shooting dead his Zimbabwean national farm worker, was convicted.

Crossberg also claimed he mistook his target for a baboon.