A 27-year-old South African man, believed to be a pastor, was bitten by a Black Mamba while praying beside a river in Hazelmere, KwaZulu-Natal, early Saturday morning.
According to <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/kwazulu-natal-man-gets-bitten-by-black-mamba-during-prayer-738cb429-b9f0-4ba2-ae3e-87db8235548f">IOL</a>, at around 6:30 AM, a concerned citizen called the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Operations Centre for urgent medical assistance.
The man said that he had been praying when a large black snake bit him on the left foot. He believed it to be a Black Mamba and showed signs of neurotoxic poisoning, including significant swelling at the bite site.
After moving a short distance away from the river, he sought help from security guards, who then contacted RUSA.
Paramedics arrived promptly, treated his symptoms, and transported him to a medical facility for further care.
<h2>What to do if you are bitten by a snake</h2>
The African Snakebite Institute (ASI), says many myths about snakebites, like sucking out the venom or killing the snake to bring to the hospital, should be avoided.
While snakebites can happen while sleeping, most occur when someone accidentally steps on a snake, usually below the knee. ASI offers useful advice on how to handle snake bites:
<ul>
<li>Keeping calm is crucial. Ensure the snake is no longer in the immediate area, as a second bite can complicate the situation. Panicking can increase your heart rate, causing the venom to spread faster</li>
<li>Avoid applying tight bands around the bite site, as these can be harmful. These can restrict blood flow and worsen swelling.</li>
<li>There is no benefit to cutting the bite or trying to suck out the venom — snake venom cannot be removed this way.</li>
<li>Transport the victim to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible.</li>
<li>Keep the bitten limb still and at or below heart level to slow the spread of venom.</li>
<li>Do not take the snake to the hospital. Doctors don’t need to see the snake that bit you. However, taking a clear photo of the snake may help them identify the type of venom and the symptoms to monitor.</li>
</ul>

Pindula News

A man in South Africa, who is believed to be a pastor, was bitten by a dangerous Black Mamba snake while praying by a river in KwaZulu-Natal. He showed signs of poisoning and had swelling. He got help from security guards and was taken to a medical facility for treatment. If you are bitten by a snake, stay calm, don't cut the bite, and go to the hospital quickly. Don't try to suck out the venom or bring the snake to the hospital. Keep the bitten limb still and at or below heart level.

South African Pastor Bitten By A Snake During Prayer

Three members of a Hurungwe family succumbed to poisoning after they were struck by a venomous snake suspected to be a Black Mamba while searching for firewood.
The incident occurred in the Karuru area of Hurungwe district a fortnight ago, but the trio died between Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
The deceased have been identified as Emilia Musiiwa (nee Moyo) aged 47, her daughter Nyarai (21) and grandson Tatenda Tototo (15).
The late Emilia’s husband, Tapiwa Musiiwa told NewZimbabwe.com that the deaths dealt him a heavy blow. He said:
<blockquote>
The incident has left me devastated.
The three were looking for firewood when the snake bit Nyarai, prompting her mother to try and scare away the creature but it also attacked her.
Sensing danger, our grandson Tatenda tried to run away but the snake pursued him and striked.
The three victims were taken to hospital for treatment, but unfortunately the boy died at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital yesterday (Tuesday) while my wife and daughter passed on at Sally Mugabe Hospital (formerly Harare Hospital) in Harare today (Wednesday).
</blockquote>
A local funeral parlour pledged to ferry the bodies to Karuru Ward 8, Hurungwe for burial Thursday.
Experts say when one is bitten by a black mamba, first aid should focus on maintaining vital functions, such as respiratory support. The victim should be kept still and try to limit any unnecessary movement.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Black Mamba Kills Three Family Members

The two brothers from Buhera who died after they <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/11/05/black-mamba-kills-2-siblings-aged-9-and-14/">were bitten by a snake about two weeks ago</a> were reportedly fighting for a bird when the venomous reptile attacked them.
Tawananyasha (9) and Tinotenda Newman Mujeyi (14) of Gandidze Village under Chief Makumbe, died on their way to Murambinda Mission Hospital.
The Mujeyi brothers were bitten by a black mamba (rovambira) while hunting in Gukuranenzara Mountain in Buhera District, Manicaland Province.
Tinotenda was bitten on his thigh and Tawananyasha on his foot as they were fighting to be the first to pick a bird killed in a bush near Guranenzara mountain.
The boys’ mother Winnie Gwavava (41), told H-Metro that she is yet to come to terms with the tragedy. Said Gwavava:
<blockquote>
I was really affected by the death of my children.
Vakabuda vari 5 kuenda kunopfura shiri saka pakapfurwa shiri yakasvikodonhera paiva nenyoka. (They were five of them when they went to the bush on a hunting expedition, so after striking a bird, it fell close to a snake).
Vana vangu voga ndivo vakamhanyira kunonhonga shiri iyoyo. (Only my boys ran to pick up the bird).
One of them was a twin and I am yet to accept how I lost them in such an incident.
</blockquote>
The two were laid to rest at Mujeyi homestead in Mombeyarara village.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/brothers-die-from-snake-bite/">H-Metro</a></h4>

Mum Of Two Boys Killed By Snake Heartbroken

Two brothers from Buhera died after being bitten by a black mamba (rovambira) last Saturday while hunting in Gukuranenzara Mountain in Buhera District, Manicaland Province.
Tawananyasha (9) and Tinotenda Newman Mujeyi (14) of Gandidze Village under Chief Makumbe, died on their way to Murambinda Mission Hospital moments after being bitten by the venomous reptile.
The two siblings were in the company of several friends who were not attacked by the snake.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed the incident. He said:
<blockquote>
They (Mujeyi brothers) went for a hunting expedition in the company of their friends last Saturday.
The two were bitten by a black mamba during the expedition. One of their friends, aged six, informed us that the two were bitten by a black mamba.
On their way home, they fell down and their colleague reported the matter to the duo’s father, Mr Blessing Mujeyi. The two died on their way to Murambinda Mission Hospital.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Manica Post</a></h4>

Black Mamba Kills 2 Siblings, Aged 9 And 14

A Pumula South resident is puzzled by a strange sight she witnessed this week when she woke up to find a dead snake wrapped in black cloth and stitched with red thread on its side at her gate, The Chronicle reports.
The snake believed to be a Black Mamba reportedly measured about 1 meter was discovered at 6 Am at the gate of Ms. Liana Muparadzi and since then speculation has been rife over what might have lead to the strange incident.
Daring residents reportedly moved the snake around and reportedly discovered it was stitched on the side with a red thread and it was tied by a black cloth on 2 different parts.
Ms Muparadzi narrated the incident and said she was puzzled by the snake because her children are writing grade 7 examinations:
<blockquote>I had no electricity at the house so I had just sent my child to go to our neighbours and ask what time it was. As she was about to leave the house, I observed that there was something that looked like a snake at the gate. I ordered my child to backtrack as I advanced with a hoe. It was a snake but when I drew closer to it, I got worried that it wasn’t moving and more shocking was that it was wrapped in a black cloth.
My mind raced as I tried to understand what could have happened, how it ended by my gate, who could have dumped it. I also connected the snake to noise that our dog made all night long as it barked non-stop for the better part of the night.</blockquote>
One of the residents that had gathered at the scene spoke to the publication and said:
<blockquote>This doesn’t make sense; we have heard some of these stories that people own snakes but we just downplayed the stories as myths. But today we have come across this snake which leaves us very worried about its origins and how it ended up being there. We can speculate and all, but this is just a clear testimony that some people practise witchcraft.</blockquote>
The snake was taken away by Parks officials according to another resident:
<blockquote>The councillor came together with the police and council rangers who took it away. They placed it in a sack before they left with it</blockquote>
Another resident said people are just being superstitious but the snake has been dead for days. Traditional healers and religious leaders reportedly offered to help the family of Ms Muparadzi in different ways.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/snake-mystery-puzzles-pumula-south-residents/">Chronicle</a>

Pumula South Residents Puzzled By A Mysterious Snake Seen In Their Hood

An elderly woman from Serima in Chatsworth, Gutu District, Masvingo Province, died on Monday after she was bitten by a Black Mamba snake.
Martha Muzira (75) from Matoto village under chief Serima in Chatsworth died on the spot after she was bitten on her hand and forehead by the venomous reptile.
Provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Charity Mazula said that Muzira was alone at her homestead when the incident occurred.
Mazula revealed that Muzira was selecting some beans in her granary when she was was struck by the snake.
Though she managed to kill the snake, she succumbed to the Black Mamba’s venom before she could get any assistance.
Muzira’s neighbour, Ronika Chihota, (70), who rushed to the scene found her still alive but losing consciousness.
<h4>More: <a href="http://newziana.co.zw/2020/05/09/black-mamba-kills-chatsworth-granny/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Ziana</a></h4>

Gutu Grandma Dies After Fight With Black Mamba

A South African judge of the labour court has died after he was bitten by a black mamba whilst in Zambia on a holiday.
Judge Anton Steenkamp, 57, was in Zambia in the company of his wife when the venomous reptile attacked him.
The incident was confirmed by a relative, Ruby Steenkamp, in an interview with News24. She said:
<blockquote>We’re devastated. No words. What an incredible man. His wife, Catherine, is still on her own in Zambia. They were touring Africa. We as a family were very, very proud of him.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2019/05/20/south-african-judge-dies-after-black-mamba-attack-in-zambia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZimLive</a></h4>

SA Judge Dies After Black Mamba Attack In Zambia

A 13-year-old boy from Bulima  died after being bitten by a black mamba.  Talent Ndlovu was herding cattle and died soon after the attack.
Headman Nsenganyondo said:
<blockquote>A boy from Malalume area was bitten on his hand by a black mamba and died moments later. He was herding cattle with his two siblings when he was attacked by the snake which fled into a tree. It appears the boys did not see the snake until it struck Talent
The other two youngsters said they had advised Talent to return home and inform the elders about the incident soon after it happened but he insisted that he was fine and said the pain would subside.
Moments later Talent started complaining that he could not breathe or move his body and his brothers realised that he was in trouble.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/boy-dies-from-black-mamba-bite/">Chronicle</a>

13-year-old boy dies after black mamba bite

A 13-year-old boy from Bulima  died after being bitten by a black mamba.  Talent Ndlovu was herding cattle and died soon after the attack.
Headman Nsenganyondo said:
<blockquote>A boy from Malalume area was bitten on his hand by a black mamba and died moments later. He was herding cattle with his two siblings when he was attacked by the snake which fled into a tree. It appears the boys did not see the snake until it struck Talent
The other two youngsters said they had advised Talent to return home and inform the elders about the incident soon after it happened but he insisted that he was fine and said the pain would subside.
Moments later Talent started complaining that he could not breathe or move his body and his brothers realised that he was in trouble.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/boy-dies-from-black-mamba-bite/">Chronicle</a>

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