Python spotted at the Rustenburg Taxi Rank!

Rustenburg - On Wednesday, 1 November, at around 14:00, a peculiar sight near the Rustenburg Taxi Rank raised eyebrows and concerns among locals. Situated at the corner of Nelson Mandela and Bethlehem Street, a traditional healer was seen displaying herbs, trinkets, and an unexpected companion – a Southern African Python.

The Southern African Python falls under the list of protected species due to illegal hunting related to its use for traditional medicinal purposes, or as decorative accessories. The Rustenburg Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received a call about the incident, but by the time they arrived, the healer had already departed.

SPCA manager Marisa Kruger stressed the importance of protecting these endangered pythons, stating, “Southern African Pythons are endangered. It’s against the law to keep them. There are regulations from the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. People can be arrested if they are caught in possession of these snakes”.

If you have any animal-related concerns or queries, or would like to report such incidents, you can contact the Rustenburg SPCA at 014 592 3181, or in case of emergencies, call 072 933 7723. Let’s work together to safeguard our endangered wildlife.

Photo: According to a bystander, the healer frequents the spot most days of the week.