KZN man rushed to hospital after black mamba bite
The man was praying near a river when the venomous snake struck.
A 27-year-old man was rushed to hospital on Saturday morning after being bitten by a black mamba.
He was praying near a river in Hazelmere, Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Prem Balram of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the organisation's operations centre received an urgent call for medical assistance at approximately 6:41 am from a concerned member of the public.
Paramedics were immediately dispatched to the scene and found the man behind the Hazelmere Dam wall.
The victim reported that he was praying beside the river when a large black snake bit him on the left foot. He believed the reptile was a black mamba, one of Africa's most venomous snakes.
Shortly after he was bitten, he began exhibiting symptoms of neurotoxic poisoning, including extensive swelling at the site of the wound.
Despite the severity of his condition, the man managed to walk a short distance from the riverbank before seeking help from security officers in the area. They promptly contacted RUSA for assistance.
Paramedics provided immediate medical treatment before transporting him to a nearby medical facility for further care.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution in areas known for high snake activity, especially during the warmer months (February to May) when snake encounters are more frequent.
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