Snake bites Toti pensioner during load shedding

A PENSIONER is recuperating at home after being bitten by a snake during Eskom’s load shedding on Thursday evening, 6 March when large parts of Toti were in the dark.

Alice du Plooy (64) was bitten at her daughter, Samantha Abroue’s home in Surrey Lane, Toti at about 8.45pm. She was rushed to Kingsway Hospital, where she received immediate treatment and was kept under overnight observation.

The incident occurred just after Alice had supper with the family and was walking to her car. “It was pitch dark, as my husband walked mom to her car. Close to a communal pool she complained of a bite, which was ‘itching and burning’. They returned to the house and when I looked at her right foot, I noticed a bite mark,” said Samantha.

Due to the pins and needles symptoms experienced by Alice, she was told it was a neuron toxic venom. It is critical to get treatment within one to four hours. Unfortunately, as it was so dark, they were unable to identify the snake.

“Mom is recovering at home. The swelling has gone down, but she is still feeling light-headed. Samantha had no electricity from 6pm, until she left for work on Friday morning, 7 March.