2026 starts with a black mamba for South Coast snake catcher

South Coast snake catcher Sarel van der Merwe started the year the same way he ended the last – calmly dealing with one of Africa’s most feared reptiles.

The South Coast has barely settled into the new year and already the first black mamba of 2026 has made an appearance – once again in Port Edward.

The veteran snake catcher of Shelly Beach was called out after a homeowner spotted a snake high up in her shed, tucked beneath the roof trusses. She managed to snap a photo, shut the shed doors and do exactly the right thing – call for professional help.

“When I arrived it turned into a bit of hide-and-seek,” said van der Merwe. “After moving items around up top, I realised the snake had dropped down. Eventually I spotted him hidden in a box on the floor.”

The mamba was safely removed without incident.

What makes the call-out particularly notable is its timing. Van der Merwe’s final snake removal of 2025 was also a black mamba – caught on December 31. Just days later, the first call of 2026 turned out to be the same species.

“That’s how the season goes,” he said. “As it’s warm, snakes are active and often end up in sheds, storerooms and garages where there’s shelter.”

While the story has its lighter moments, van der Merwe stresses the seriousness of black mamba encounters. Highly venomous and fast-moving, they should never be approached or handled by untrained people.

“If you see a snake, keep your distance, close the area off if you can and call a qualified catcher,” he advised. “Trying to deal with it yourself is extremely dangerous.”

For South Coast residents, the early appearance of a black mamba is a timely reminder to stay alert, keep yards tidy and be cautious when working in outbuildings.

As for van der Merwe, it seems 2026 has picked up right where 2025 left off – one calm removal at a time.

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