“Imagine the Pain”: Snake Expert Recounts Black Spitting Cobra Spitting Venom in Man’s Eyes

• A man found himself in a terrifyingly painful situation when a venomous snake spat in his direction
• Snake expert Eduanne Niemand shared with the public what had happened to the man after the incident
• Some social media users responded with well-wishes for the man, while others were stunned to hear that the snake species was active in the Western Cape
• Briefly News spoke to African Snakebite Institute instructor Tim Brammer, who shared why one shouldn't use milk as a remedy

Eduanne Niemand, the founder of Boland Snake Removals 24/7 and Pest Control, shared that a man known as Uncle Jooste was on the road to recovery after a black spitting cobra spat venom into his eyes. The unfortunate occurrence sparked a discussion among social media users.

The Western Cape-based reptile expert shared the news of the 59-year-old Piketberg resident on his Facebook account on 28 March 2026, the day of the incident. Eduanne explained that Uncle Jooste's family immediately washed his eyes with milk and called for medical assistance. He was transported to Mediclinic Paarl, where the staff rinsed his eyes with distilled water.

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Eduanne added in his post:

"A black spitting cobra's poison is cytotoxic and causes swelling if you were to be bitten, so imagine the pain of the spit in your eyes."

Take a look at the snake below:

Why use water instead of milk

Tim Brammer, an instructor at the African Snakebite Institute, explained to Briefly News that one shouldn't use milk to wash the venom out of the eyes, as it increases the risk of bacterial infection. Not only is water cleaner, but it is also readily available in large quantities, which is important.

"The eyes should be held open and rinsed continuously for 10–15 minutes, ideally within 15 minutes of the incident. Water does not neutralise the venom, and neither does milk. It simply acts as a solvent to help flush the venom from the eyes."

The expert added that the eyes would remain sensitive for a few days as the cornea recovers from the damage.

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"The use of antibiotic ointments or drops is recommended to help prevent secondary infections. In an emergency where water is not available, any bland liquid can be used as a last resort, but this does carry an increased risk of infection."

Furthermore, Tim notes that spitting snakes can only spit up to a distance of about 3 metres, and spitting is more so used as defensive behaviour, not a hunting strategy.

Black spitting cobra gets the people talking

Hundreds of members of the online community headed to the comment section after hearing what had happened to Uncle Jooste. Several social media users expressed their dislike for the species, while others wished the man a speedy recovery.

Tinashe Trevor Maposa shared their thoughts:

"And people still say snakes are beautiful! I don't get it, honestly."

A concerned Santi Nel wrote:

"Uncle Jooste and family, I am sending good luck and a big angel to look after you well. I hope the pain is going to get better soon, and strength for your family because it must be terrible to see your loved one like that."

Stunned, Andrea Beighton exclaimed:

"Scary. The accuracy of the snake amazes me!"

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Mickey Mickezo Wilson wondered under the post:

"And still you will say they don't see. How do they see the eyes of the human to spit?"

Kiki Moss added in the comment section:

"Excuse my ignorance, but I didn’t know we get these snakes in the Western Cape."

3 Other stories about snakes

• In another article, Briefly News reported on a course showing how to handle deadly snakes.
• A photographer in KwaZulu-Natal shared the sound a black mamba makes, leaving many people online unsettled.
• A South African motorist captured a massive snake crossing the road at Cape Agulhas National Park. The post sparked an online debate about the species.

Source: Briefly News