“4 Bricks, Problem Solved”: Mzansi Reacts as Course Shows Safe Way to Handle Deadly Snakes
- A professional snake catcher course in Pretoria featured a live Rinkhals, and left many South Africans shocked at how calmly the venomous reptile was handled
- The training focused on strict safety rules, teaching delegates to remove dangerous snakes without touching them directly or putting themselves at unnecessary risk
- Social media users flooded the comments section, debating whether the intense moment was real and sharing their own experiences with snakes in their communities
- Briefly News spoke to Luke Kemp from the African Snakebite Institute
South Africans were left wide-eyed after a snake catcher training session showed how to safely capture one of the country’s most venomous snakes.
Source: Facebook
The course is run by the African Snakebite Institute. It focuses on teaching ordinary citizens how to remove dangerous snakes without risking their lives.
The training took place in Pretoria on 18 February 2026 and featured a live Rinkhals, a highly venomous species often found near homes. They trained delegates to safely catch and release snakes, especially in areas where human and wildlife spaces overlap.
Rinkhals, also known as ring-necked spitting cobras, are common in parts of Gauteng and other provinces. They are known for their ability to spit venom accurately and for playing dead when threatened.
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What the course teaches
In the clip shared, a man is seen carefully capturing the Rinkhals during a practical training session. The institute made it clear that the training discourages risky behaviour.
Delegates are taught to use proper tools and follow strict safety rules. Trainings take place on corporate or residential sites where health and safety policies apply.
South Africa records thousands of snakebite cases every year. However, fatalities are rare when treatment is received in time.
The course aims to reduce those risks. This approach reportedly supports conservation efforts, since many snake species play an important role in controlling pests. According to the organisation's official account, a level 1 course costs R1695.00 per delegate.
Briefly News reaches out to African Snakebite Institute
Luke Kemp from the African Snakebite Institute told Briefly News that the organisation has been operating for the last 16 years training around South Africa and across 19 other African countries.
"We train around 3,000 people a year on venomous snake awareness and handling."
"We continually see success stories where people who have attended the course are rescuing and relocating snakes away from humans," said Kemp.
Kemp said that delegates receive a certificate which is valid for two years.
"These certificates are required to remove snakes on corporate sites, as well as to apply for permits from Nature Conservation."
See the Facebook video below:
Social media reacts to intense training session
After the footage circulated, social media users had plenty to say. Some were shocked that first-time trainees were allowed near such a dangerous reptile. Others were impressed that communities are being equipped with the right knowledge.
Thabo Skhosana commented:
“I did that course. The snakes look calm and understanding, unlike the ones we normally come across.”
Liz Jackson noted:
“It's impressive that people are being trained across communities to manage snake interactions. Very good to see.“
Lupumlo Sheleni asked:
“Is that a real snake? Because I’m sure these are first-timers.”
Sizwe Mthokozisi said:
“We have these Rhinkals in our area, but it’s really difficult to catch them. It’s been a year now, sometimes we see them, sometimes they are gone into the bushes.”
Bongani Svo Rhadase wrote:
“Four bricks, problem solved.”
Source: Facebook
More articles about snake catchers
- Briefly News previously reported that the Worcester community is in mourning following the passing of Andre du Preez, the well-known snake handler at Silverfox Snake Rescues.
- A respected Worcester snake catcher died after a spider bite led to serious health complications that doctors battled to control in hospital.
- A late-night snake relocation in the Eastern Cape took an unexpected turn, leaving a professional snake catcher and social media users shaken.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
