Snake catcher, Sarel van der Merwe, recently travelled about 170km (there and back) to catch a black mamba in a home at Nhlangwini, Harding.

The black mamba is a dangerous African snake named for its black mouth. They are fast, nervous, lethally venomous, and when threatened, highly aggressive.

But this doesn’t scare Sarel. If there is a snake in need of rescuing, it’s Sarel to the rescue.

“Some people play golf, I catch snakes,” said Sarel.

Homeowner, Zanini Sikhosana, said she was in the kitchen washing dishes when she first heard a strange rustling noise. Then she felt the snake as it passed near her feet, touching them. “I nearly died. I still think I should go for counselling,” she laughed, nervously.

Zanini said she screamed but didn’t lose sight of the snake, despite her home being big and providing numerous hiding places. The brave woman was determined to see where the reptile was and where it might go.

“The mamba began to head down the passage where the children were sleeping. I prayed to God to help us,” she said. Zanini said the snake remarkably turned and slithered back towards her, opting to hide under the couch.

Zanini said that her niece had Sarel’s number saved on her phone. They quickly contacted him. He arrived quickly, despite the distance he needed to travel. “We are so grateful for Sarel’s help,” she added.

*If you need a snake removed contact Sarel on  082 6831604*

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