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DAILY DISPATCH (East London, S Africa) 30 November 07 Police ‘arrest’ sangoma’s monster snake (Malungelo Booi)
Photo: Snakes Alive! It’s the 3metre python that was seized by police yesterday from KZN sangoma Amos Mafuleka, above, who was on his way to conduct a traditional ‘healing’ ceremony when he shocked motorists on a garage forecourt by giving the reptile a wash. (Lulamile Feni )
Mthatha Bureau: A traditional healer was arrested yesterday after shocking motorists at Shell Ultra City in Mthatha by washing a 3metre long python on the forecourt.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Mzukisi Fatyela said the 36-year-old KwaZulu-Natal man told them he did not have papers for the snake called Innocence.
They were in Pietermaritzburg where he used to live, he said.
Amos Mafuleka was arrested and the reptile handed over to officials of the Department of Environmental Affairs and tourism (DEAT).
Fatyela said he was going to perform a traditional ceremony.
DEAT senior environmental officer Ruaan Botha said the snake would be transported to East London for safety. It was an offence to keep it as it was a protected species, he explained.
Fatyela said Mafuleka, who was released without having to put down money for bail, would appear in court at a later date.
Mafuleka, who said he expected the snake to ?come back to me (because) she is mine?, added: ?When I am travelling a long distance with her, I have to take intervals and wash her because my powers lie in her.?
Police ‘arrest’ sangoma’s monster snake
