A Mhluzi family has been living in fear since Sunday, after a young family member ventured into the roof of their house to adjust the family’s TV antenna cable.

Little did he know, he was not alone.

While trying to fortify the family’s TV signal, the youngster observed movement in a sliver of light, sending him scrambling down the ladder.

Local herpetologist Victor Boshoff received an immediate call.

Mr Boshoff says he believed the snake would slither off to a safer environment, following the run-in.

But he was mistaken.

Due to load shedding, a search for the snake had to be postponed numerous times.

What would have been a routine capture and release around 17:00 this afternoon, turned into a messy wrestling match with South Africa’s most feared serpent.

After roof tiles were removed, Mr Boshoff observed the snake basking on the insulation layer of the ceiling, sheltered by the roof.

Noting the commotion, the snake attempted an escape.

Mr Boshoff spotted the snake trying to make a run for it, but the snake saw him and retreated.

While Mr Boshoff covered the outside perimeter of the house,  SPCA Chairman Bernard van den Berg, and a brave Louwtjie Jordaan, lowered themselves into the dark crevice of the roof, where they successfully caught the mamba.

Local firemen showed exceptional valour in assisting with the capture.

Old coffin-head will now be released in the Loskop Dam area.

Black mambas have been found in Middelburg before.

Two years ago a huge black mamba was captured in Verkenner Street.

A black mamba has also been found in Dennesig.