SAPS Cop Catches 2 Highly Venomous Snakes, Mzansi Applauds Bravery: “So Proud of Her”

SAPS Cop Catches 2 Highly Venomous Snakes, Mzansi Applauds Bravery: “So Proud of Her”

  • Captain Joanita Becker, a South African Police Service (SAPS) Porter pilot, bravely caught two venomous reptiles at a police station
  • While one of the snakes was hiding in a filing cabinet, the other greeted her outside upon her arrival
  • Many members of the online community applauded the woman, while someone suggested all cops should attend snake-catching courses
A cop caught two snakes.
A SAPS official caught two highly venomous snakes at a police station. Images: South African Police Service / Facebook, kuritafsheen / Getty Images
Source: UGC

A South African Police Service (SAPS) Porter pilot displayed incredible courage by catching two highly venomous snakes. Her fearless actions captured the admiration of many South Africans who praised her bravery.

Cop shows snake-handling skills

The official SAPS Facebook account shared that on Sunday, 26 January 2025, Captain Joanita Becker, who is also a registered snake catcher in Kimberley, responded to the call of a Cape cobra. The highly venomous reptile made itself comfy at Belmont SAPS Community Centre (CSC).

The SAPS post read that it took the captain 20 minutes to trace and catch the snake, which hid in the police station's filing cabinet.

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However, that was not all that was in store.

When the captain arrived, she also found and caught a puff adder outside the CSC.

Take a look at the picture below:

A police officer caught a snake.
Captain Becker with one of the snakes she caught. Image: South African Police Service
Source: Facebook

Providing more information about the brave cop, SAPS shared that between 2019 and 2022, when COVID-19 was still rampant, Captain Becker completed her Level 1 and 2 snake catchers course through the African Snakebite Institute. She is trained to identify, catch, and release the slithering reptiles into their natural habitat.

The Facebook post added:

"She was also trained to administer first aid to snakebite victims, bearing in mind that both the Cape cobra and puff adder are rated the most dangerous and venomous snakes in Africa."

Mzansi applauds SAPS officer

Hundreds of social media users praised the government official for her bravery, adding positive messages in the post's comment section.

Emmie La Grange shared with online users:

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"She is one of my favourite people. Always willing to help. So proud of her."

Durby-Ann Swart said to Captain Becker:

"I take off my sun hat and church hat for you. You are next-level brave! I can't even look at a snake on TV. My feet would be on the couch and my eyes shut."

Genevieve Williams, who seemingly knows the cop, commented:

"So proud of you, my friend! Jy's ook bang vir niks (You're scared of nothing)."

A proud Ras Sanele Makhanya-Mngoma stated:

"Helping her fellow countrymen is her calling. Well done, Ma'am."

Marius Verwey humorously added:

"Yesterday, I won a fight with one of those by 3km."

Themba Nkuna shared their thoughts in the comment section, writing:

"Come to think about this, all police officers must train as snake handlers so that when we see a snake in the house, we call the cops."

3 Other Briefly News stories about snakes

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  • KwaZulu-Natal-based snake handler Nick Evans shared that he caught a black mamba making itself comfortable inside a stuffed teddy bear.
  • A highly venomous Cape cobra was found nestling itself under a homeowner's pillows, claiming the resting space as its own. The clip frightened online users.
  • A South African family's Christmas turned chaotic when a boomslang dropped from a tree and sent the family running at 2 am.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Jade Rhode avatar

Jade Rhode (Human Interest Editor) Jade Rhode is a Human Interest Reporter who joined the Briefly News team in April 2024. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhodes University, majoring in Journalism and Media Studies (distinction) and Linguistics. Before pursuing her tertiary education, Jade worked as a freelance writer at Vannie Kaap News, telling the tales of the community. After her studies, Jade worked as an editorial intern for BONA Magazine, contributing to both print and online. To get in touch with Jade, please email jade.rhode@briefly.co.za