Black mamba mistaken for tyre in shed

A routine shed clean-up in Trenance Park, Verulam, turned into a heart-stopping moment on Saturday when what was thought to be a bicycle tyre turned out to be a 3.2-metre black mamba. Prem Balra, spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said they responded to the property on Ebony Link Road after a homeowner and his daughter made the alarming discovery. According to information received by Rusa, the pair had been clearing out items in a shed when the daughter picked up what she believed was a bicycle tyre lying among the clutter.

Balram said the the girl realised it was a snake when the “tyre” suddenly moved and slithered deeper into the shed. Reaction officer Bryson Bisnath attended the scene and located the snake inside the structure. The reptile was safely captured and removed from the premises. “Officers later noted that the mamba was in the process of shedding its skin at the time it was found.,” he said.