UPDATE: Weenen family that was told ‘no diesel’ in fire truck to remove python demand answers

The Zaca family still shudders when remembering the night a python tried to gain entry to their home. It was February 18 just after 9pm and a family member went outside when he saw something that he thought was ash but the sudden movement made him recoil in terror.

ALSO READ:  Weenen family told ‘no diesel’ in truck to transport fire fighters to remove python

The almost three-metre long python had made its way to the garage and when it became aware of the family’s presence, manoeuvred its muscular body to begin climbing up a braai stand to gain entry to the house.

Panic-struck, the family immediately sought assistance. However, the professional assistance they required to remove the snake did not arrive. The family had to rely on neighbours to remove the reptile, which was later released at the Weenen Game Reserve.

READ MORE: Fire truck returns

When contacting Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality’s emergency centre, the Zaca family was told that the fire department, whose staff are professionally trained to remove snakes, was unable to attend to the complaint because there was no diesel in the fire truck.

Infuriated with this response, the family also submitted a letter with contact numbers to the local municipality enquiring about why an emergency vehicle had no diesel. Unfortunately, they have had no acknowledgement of their letter.

“Are they trying to say ‘we don’t care’ because we will pursue this matter,” said Mr Zaca.

He added that the day following the snake removal, his wife and him were in the Estcourt central business district and noticed municipal vehicles belonging to the corporate and finance departments ‘running around’ in town.

“If these vehicles have enough diesel to be seen driving around, how come a vehicle that assists people in emergencies is without diesel?” asked Mr Zaca.

“We know that there are probably a lot of people who also receive this kind of service and we will be their mouthpiece,” said the determined Zaca family.

They intend on following up their concern until they receive a satisfactory explanation. Responding to the family’s concerns after an email from the Estcourt News, the municipality’s communication department responded after a week, apologising for the ‘inconveniences caused.’

“We will investigate the matter of who was working on this day in Alpha Control Room and why this kind of response was given a member of the public who was in need, because our emergencies section always have fuel access. When the investigation is complete, the Estcourt News will be updated accordingly,” added the Communication Department.

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