A snake catcher was recently roped in to deal with a snake invasion at the Sebokeng Police Station in Gauteng, but employees continue to fear for their safety.

The snake catcher was called after an employee at the station was bitten while performing his duties. The employee was immediately taken to hospital, given medical attention, and discharged the next day as his condition was stable.

Meanwhile, employees have threatened to ‘down tools’ if the invasion is not dealt with urgently.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster with hesitancy and fear of reprisals one of the employees said: “These are our lives and according to the employment act the employer needs to make the working environment conducive to the employee. We cannot work like this; one cannot come to work fearing for their lives. If this issue is not sorted as a matter of urgency, we will be forced to down tools as we cannot be fodder to these creatures.”

The employee requested anonymity, stating the severity of the issue as it has been elevated to the SAPS Gauteng offices.

The snakes are said to be mostly roaming the surrounding areas of the police station, which includes the yards of the Sebokeng Magistrate’s Court’s, the Emergency Medical Services, the Department of Social Development, and the Sebokeng Hospital, as well as around the Naledi-Nkanyezi Clinix Hospital.

The matter has since been elevated to the provincial offices of the various departments.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi told the newspaper that the station management is aware of the incident where a snake bit an employee at the station and that it should be noted that this is a problem not only affecting the police station but also surrounding areas.

“The affected member has been offered necessary support, the station commander and the station management took it upon themselves to seek a professional snake catcher, and also apply repellents around the yard. The relevant government department has also been engaged to assist with this problem since it affects not only the police station.”