"Well Done": Highly Venomous Boomslang Removed From Student Residence in Eastern Cape

• Neville's Snake & Reptile Rescue responded to a call-out at a student residence in Alice, Eastern Cape
• The boomslang caught on video is classified as highly venomous and capable of causing serious harm
• The rescue sparked concern online, with one follower reminding Neville of a close call with the same species earlier this year

A boomslang was safely removed from a student residence in Alice, Eastern Cape, by Neville's Snake & Reptile Rescue on 5 September 2026. The snake, known scientifically as Dispholidus typus, is classified as highly venomous and poses a serious threat if handled incorrectly or provoked.

The rescue team shared footage of the catch on Facebook, identifying the reptile and warning followers of its dangerous nature. Boomslangs are tree-dwelling snakes known for their potent haemotoxic venom, which affects the blood's ability to clot and can be fatal without prompt medical treatment.

Student residences are not a typical habitat for a boomslang, making the find all the more alarming. The snake was relocated safely, away from the dense foot traffic of a campus environment where an accidental encounter could have had serious consequences. The rescue by Neville's Snake & Reptile Rescue drew a wave of responses from followers familiar with Neville's work. Watch the boomslang rescue from the Alice student residence below:

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With warmer weather returning to the Eastern Cape, snake activity is expected to increase across the region, making the work of rescuers like Neville all the more vital for communities and campuses alike. Followers in the comments section had plenty to say about the latest catch:

@Cheryl Reeves wrote:

"Cheeky."

@Celeste Hutchinson said:

"Hi Neville. Well done on this catch. Are you ready for those warm days that have started? Stay safe."

@Neville's Snake & Reptile Rescue replied:

"Thank you, Celeste, will do."

@Khanya Rokarz Bomela noted:

"I remember you were beaten by a boomslang earlier this year luckily, it was a dry bite."

@Fredericka Joylene Nolands added:

"Good job Nev. 👏"

Other Briefly News stories about dangerous snake encounters

• Chilling footage recorded inside a wooden enclosure captured Africa's fastest venomous snake raising its hood and striking multiple times in quick succession.
• Video shared by Facebook page Slangboere captured a South African cyclist nearly riding straight over a startled cobra while traversing a pine forest trail.
• Footage shared by Slang Boere showed an extremely agitated snake coiling up and aggressively charging at experienced handlers.

Source: Briefly News