South Coast’s snake catcher, Sarel van der Merwe, did not get much sleep last night, just a few winks.
Shortly after midnight he braved wet and slippery roads to rescue a Southern African python which has taken up residence in the kitchen of a farmhouse in Port Edward.
It’s not the first time he’s been there; in fact, it’s 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, in the past, pythons have entered the home and, on one occasion, consumed a small dog.
This time around Sarel 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 (21st) being a public holiday, he may be able to catch up on some sleep.
A few years ago, a South Coast Herald journalist accompanied Sarel on a trip to the home, where he retrieved a python from under a cupboard.
Pythons, like some other reptiles, are protected species in South Africa due to their ecological importance.
If you need a snake removed, contact Sarel on 082 6831604.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
