Snake Pharm seeks help after critical call-out bike stolen

SNAKE Pharm, an initiative dedicated to saving lives from snakes bites, has suffered a major setback.

In the early hours of this morning (Saturday), the off-road bike used by founder Donald Schultz was stolen.

The theft comes after R10 000 was spent fixing the bike, which Donald has relied on for six years travelling to rural areas for snake callouts.

“It will be sorely missed. The bike is the fastest way to get onto these dirt roads. Most of the call-outs I do are in the rural areas and people don’t have money, so we do the catches for free.

ALSO READ: Surge in catches this scary snake season

“The bike had a logo on it that said ‘Iphi inyoka?’ (Where’s the snake?)
“Snake call-outs are an integral part of what we do, as it prevents snake bites,” said Donald.

Snake Pharm, a decade-old project started by Donald in America and brought to Bushlands, Hluhluwe in 2019, focuses on researching his patented antivenom. The project addresses the area’s high snake bite and low medical care issues.

ALSO READ: Antivenom shortage leads to death of Zululander

With snake season in full swing and a national shortage of antivenom, his research is more critical than ever and the theft couldn’t have happened at a worse time.

In light of this, a call has gone out to the community and local businesses to sponsor a replacement off-road bike for Snake Pharm.

To assist, contact Donald on 064 2082465 or Mel on 082 5584275.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY