The KZN South Coast’s snake catcher, Sarel van der Merwe, did not get much sleep last night. Shortly after midnight, he braved wet and slippery roads to rescue an African rock python which has taken up residence in the kitchen of a farmhouse in Port Edward.

It is not the first time he has been to the house; it is the fourth! The farmhouse seems to have become a haven for slightly scary, unwelcome ‘visitors’, including pythons.

There was also a lucky escape for the homeowner’s dogs as, during a previous incident at the same house, a python entered the home and consumed a small dog.

This time around Van der Merwe was accompanied by his neighbour, AJ Pretorious, who helped capture the lengthy reptile wedged between the washing machine and the kitchen wall.

He released the snake in the Mpenjati Nature Reserve, saying it measured 4.8m and weighed 24kg.

With today (March 21) being a public holiday, Van der Merwe says he is hopeful he will be able to catch up on some sleep.

A few years ago, a South Coast Herald journalist accompanied Van der Merwe on a trip to the same home, where he retrieved a rock python from under a cupboard.

The African rock python is Africa’s largest snake. It is non-venomous, rather killing its prey by constriction.

It is also known for its extraordinary ability to consume large prey.

Pythons, like some other reptiles, are protected species in South Africa due to their ecological importance.

If you need a snake removed in the KZN South Coast area, contact Van der Merwe on 082 683 1604.