Police in Ritavi outside Tzaneen have arrested a 44 year old man who was found unlawfully in possession of a rock python snake in Petanenge Village near Nkowankowa.

The police reacted to a tip-off from members of the community about the activities of this suspect.

After following up on the tip-off, police found him in possession of the snake and subsequently arrested him.

The origin and objective of possessing the snake is unknown. During preliminary police investigations, the suspect, Willy Pilusa of Petanenge Village, opted to pay admission of guilty and has ultimately paid a fine of R500 for the crime and the matter is now finalized.

The python has been handed over to the nature conservation team for disposal.