HIBISCUS Coast firefighters are used to wrestling hoses, but they really had to prove their mettle when catching a 2.5-metre black mamba in Murchison last Saturday.
Arguably one of the most feared serpents in the world, the mamba was spotted by a woman in her kitchen cupboard at about 4pm.
What to do? Call the ‘A’ team.
Brave firefighters Roy Khawula, Dola Lubanyana and Peter Nxumalo met the terrified homeowner who directed them to the cupboard. Alas, it was bare.
“We then moved the stove and the angry snake lashed out, trying to strike at us,” said Peter.
“We were very lucky it missed and we managed to place it safely in a bag.”
By this time, a crowd had gathered… well out of striking distance… and they cheered their heroes enthusiastically.
While he has had experience with snakes, Peter said it was one of the bigger mambas he had ever had to deal with.
“We are often called out to rural areas and I am pleased to help, rather than residents killing the snakes.”
The snake was released to a safe location.
Peter said the homeowner had done the right thing by calling and he warned people not to try to handle the situation on their own.
“If you find a snake, back off. If you are in a confined area remain dead still and try not to annoy the snake,” said Nxumalo.
Handy numbers to keep in an emergency are Protection Services at 039 6825555 or Pure Venom at 039 6850704.
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