BRITS POS – BRITS - On Friday, 6 June, the Critter Chronicles team received a call from Secra Security company and responded to an incident in a rural community where a Southern African Python (python natalensis) was being illegally offered for sale.
(The Southern African Python is the largest snake species in Southern Africa. It is a non-venomous constrictor, a snake that kills by coiling round its prey and asphyxiating it.) The team located the animal and, following legal and ethical protocols, immediately confiscated it to ensure its safety.
Shortly after, the individuals involved in the attempted sale demanded payment. Despite calmly explaining that it is illegal to trade indigenous wildlife, the group became agitated. Tensions escalated as nearby community members got involved, with some individuals climbing onto the rescue vehicle. With safety becoming a serious concern for both the team and the community, the crew drove directly to the nearest police station, escorted by Secra Security.
Once at the station, the SAPS members ensured them that the snake will be safe with Critter Chronicles and helped them to explain to the community members (which were minors) that trading in indigenous wildlife is a crime.
This incident serves as a clear reminder of the need for ongoing wildlife education, especially in communities where access to information is limited and financial hardship influences behaviour. As a result, Critter Chronicles will be returning to the area to provide a free educational show aimed at educating the community about the importance of conservation, animal welfare, and legal ways to interact with wildlife.
Asking, why didn’t you just pay them for the snake?” The answer is simple but important. Supporting illegal wildlife sales by exchanging money only encourages more of this behaviour. It creates a harmful cycle where animals are exploited, handled inhumanely, and ultimately suffer.
Southern African Pythons are protected in South Africa and cannot be kept or sold without proper permits. They play a vital role in our ecosystem and need to be protected, not traded.
Although we are offering this educational show free of charge, donations are welcome to help us continue this important work and reach more communities in need.
Donation Details:
Bank Name: Capitec Business
Branch Name: Relationship Suite
Branch Code: 450105
Account Name: EASILY WILD (PTY) LTD
Account Number: 1053279582
Account Type: Capitec Business Account
Critter Chronicles thank the SAPS for their swift action and everyone who continues to support the Stop Illegal Wildlife Trade campaign. Thank you, Secra Security, for your assistance in ensuring not only the safety of the snake but also our safety. (Photo supplied)
