Surviving snake season: Two close encounters with a Cape Cobra and Puff Adder
A Cape Cobra attempted biting Malmesbury security guard, Smiley Swart from SSS- Security while he was installing a motorised gate in September 2024. The spat its neurotoxic venom into his eye while a 15-year-old boy experienced a “dry bite” from a puff adder.
Image: Facebook
Since snake season has arrived, snake removal experts have shared stories of two people who are lucky to be alive after a close brush with a Cape Cobra and Puff Adder, which left them seeing the inside of a hospital for treatment.
A Cape Cobra attempted to bite Malmesbury security guard, Smiley Swart from SSS- Security while he was installing a motorised gate in September 2024 and spat its neurotoxic venom into his eye while a 15-year-old boy experienced a “dry bite” from a puff adder.
Boland Snake Removals 24/7 and Pest Control shared the near snake bite incidents via their Facebook page and how the victim has since recovered a year later.
Boland Snake Removal shared the near snake bite incidents via their Facebook page and how the victim has since recovered.
Image: Facebook
Swart was installing a gate motor in Riebeek Kasteel when the snake attempted to bite him. A wire obstructed the bite, causing neurotoxic venom to splash into his eye.
In shock, Smiley immediately sought help for the severe burning sensation and tears running from his eye.
Knowing he needed urgent medical attention, he called Boland Snake Removals 24/7 and Pest Control and was advised to go to seek help from Paarl Mediclinic.
Upon arrival, a "Morgan Lens" was used to continuously flush his eye.
After several days and numerous blood tests, doctors confirmed no venom had entered his bloodstream, and Smiley was discharged.
“He then called me and told me what happened and said it was a Cape cobra (which can't spit like a spitting snake),” Boland Snake Removal said.
“I said nope change your route to Paarl Mediclinic and keep rinsing your eyes with fresh water until the hospital and they flew a VW Polo from Malmesbury to Paarl.
In the first photo you can see a flushing tube coming out of his left eye with a cloth under his chin that catches the water because the staff are now constantly rinsing his eyes with what they call a "Morgan Lens" that is mounted behind his eye which was designed by Prionguard in the USA.
“Smiley had to wear sunglasses from there like me permanently and his eye burned for a month after this incident and was extremely sensitive to sunlight and wind
“Today more than a year later his eye is still very sensitive to sunlight and tears easily he says but he will get there
“He says the Lord protected him on September 20, 2024 let the thread get in the way by chance.”
A 15-year-old boy experienced a “dry bite” from a puff adder.
Image: Facebook
Separately, a 15-year-old boy experienced a "dry bite" from a Puff Adder also a year ago, meaning no venom was injected, and he has since recovered.
According to Deep South Reptile Rescue, the Western Cape's "Snake Season" runs from September to April, with peak activity between December and February. During colder months, snakes brumate, a state of dormancy similar to hibernation.
Awareness and knowledge are crucial for coexisting with snakes, which are vital to the ecosystem but can be dangerous.
If you encounter a snake:
- Maintain a safe distance (3-5 meters). Do not attempt to catch or kill it.
- Photograph it for identification. If on your property, contact a professional snake handler.
If bitten:
- Move away from the snake. Do not catch or kill it.
- Stay calm, remove tight clothing and jewelry.
- Call emergency services and go to the hospital immediately. Do not cut, squeeze, suck the bite, apply a tourniquet, or use home remedies or unprescribed medicines.