What started as a routine response to a stolen vehicle turned into an unexpected wildlife encounter for three Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday afternoon.
While investigating a vehicle theft report on Timber Road, Officers Nathi Ndaba, Thulani Blose, and Kumaran Marimuthu stumbled upon a 2.5-meter African Rock Python slithering through a residential area — a startling twist no one saw coming.
Showing calm professionalism, the team safely captured the massive snake without incident, drawing praise from nearby residents. With help from Ndlondlo Snake Park in Ballito, the python was later relocated to a safer, natural environment, far from curious onlookers and potential harm.
No one was injured during the incident, and while the stolen car remains part of an active investigation, it’s the surprise reptile cameo that’s got the neighborhood talking.
One thing’s clear: in KZN, even a vehicle theft call can take a wild turn — literally.
