SAPS pilot saves the day by catching two snakes at Police station

BELMONT – The love for keeping people safe and secure is the main reason why Capt Joanita Becker, a SAPS Porter pilot, trained herself as a registered snake catcher. On Sunday, 26 January 2025 Capt Becker immediately responded to the call of a highly venomous Cape Cobra spotted in Belmont SAPS.

Upon arrival she found and caught another Puff Adder just outside the office building. It took Capt Becker 20 minutes to trace and catch the Cape Cobra while it was hiding in a filing cabinet in the police station.

The snakes were released into their natural habitat and its micromodeling dictates it should be between 2km and 10km from where it was found so that it stands a good chance of survival.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended Capt Joanita Becker of the NC SAPS Airwing unit for going the extra mile in ensuring the community and SAPS members is safe and secure at all times.

Capt Becker completed her level 1 and 2 snake catchers course between 2019 and 2022 in Kimberley through the African Snake Bite Institute and is trained to identify, catch and release a snake into its natural habitat.

She was also trained to administer first aid to snake bite victim bearing in mind that both the Cape Cobra and Puff Adder is rated the most dangerous and poisonous snakes in Africa. A victim needs immediate anti venom to be administered by a medical practitioner when fallen prey to these snakes.

– Please adhere to the following safety hints when you encounter a snake:

• Do not approach
• Freeze and see snakes reaction.
• Back up slowly.
• Call for help from local Wildlife Snake Rescue Institute.

– What to do when bitten by a snake:

• Apply pressure to wound and wrap tightly with bandage
• Do not suck out venom from wound.
• Immobilize limb and limit movement.
• Immediately seek medical treatment when you see symptoms of pain, swelling, dizziness and difficulty in breathing.
• React fast as every second counts to save a life.

Poison Information Call Centre helpline for advice is 0861 555 777.