The unidentified reptile
It now seems it will never be known how the reptile in a box ended up on the pavement in front of the Cloete's house in Linden.
Linden couple Marius and Leigh Cloete discovered a dead reptile inside a box outside their house on 20 October.
Leigh said, “My husband opened the gate and saw the box next to our wall. When he opened it he saw a dead reptile covered in newspapers with just its tail sticking out.” The couple explained they were not sure how long the box had been there. “We did not leave our house the whole day and we do not know who did it. Unfortunately we could not see anything on our security cameras, but it is clear the box was dumped between 4pm and 6pm.”
It is unclear what reptile species it is, where it came from or if it was someone’s pet. A photograph of the reptile was sent to Free Me in Paulshof for identification, who said it is not an indigenous reptile and they were not able to identify the species.
The Cloetes were not sure what to do with the dead reptile and after phoning a reptile organisation in Krugersdorp, the SPCA and Pikitup – all to no avail; a family friend, Wayne Atkinson offered to collect and dispose of the animal.
(IN RED)Editors note: If this was your pet or if you know what reptile species it is please send us an email, randburgsun@caxton.co.za
