WHEN a phara stole a bag from a car that broke down in the Better Life area in Philippi on Sunday, 8 May, he never expected to find a snake.
According to a resident, a man had a python in his car, which was meant to be delivered to a sangoma. But the car broke down and the driver called a towing company.
However, while he was waiting for the tow truck, iphara entered his car, stole a bag and disappeared.
A resident, Mandla Arosi (45), said: "The phara didn't know that there was a snake in the bag. He felt some movement in the bag and saw a snake. He then dropped the bag and ran for his life. The snake managed to leave the bag and was seen by residents who attacked it."
Mandla said residents tried to attack the snake, but it fought back. They then sprayed it with paraffin before setting it alight.
Some residents also skinned it before cutting it into small pieces and roasting it on the fire.
"The meat was tasteless. My friend who tried to eat its intestines vomited and couldn't even swallow it," said one of the men who ate the snake.
When the driver was notified about the snake, he said it was not his.
Sangoma Phindile "Gilindoda" Mtonga said a true sangoma doesn't use snakes for muthi. He said those who use snakes use dark forces, not power from their ancestors.
ALSO READ | Tokoloshe 'TERRORISES' young girl!Opens in new window
"They use it for ukhuthwala, especially for those clients who go to them wanting to get rich quickly through muthi," he said.
SPCA spokeswoman Belinda Abraham said it is a crime to kill a wild animal.
"Pythons are not indigenous to Cape Town, so this was either an escaped pet or a case of mistaken identity. It is a criminal offence to kill any wild animal in Cape Town without a permit from the relevant authorities. In addition, killing an animal in such an inhumane way could result in an individual facing charges for contravention of the Animal Protection Act No. 71 of 1962.
"If residents have any cause for concern or feel that their welfare is threatened by the presence of any wild animal, please call the SPCA. We can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604," said Abraham.
