In a startling incident that took place in Binga, Matabeleland North province, a villager has been apprehended for allegedly keeping 93 snakes in a granary, claiming that he kept them to control rats.
Million Mukombwe, a 47-year-old resident of Kamativi, was reportedly housing various snake species, including pythons and spotted push snakes. When questioned about the matter following his arrest, Mukombwe stated that he had kept the snakes to eat rats, termites, and other harmful insects in his garden.
The incident came to light when the police received a tip-off suggesting that Mukombwe was cultivating marijuana (commonly known as mbanje) in his garden. During their investigation, the authorities discovered the snakes in the granary. Additionally, it was alleged that Mukombwe possessed around 197 mbanje plants, measuring approximately 29 centimeters in length.
Inspector Glory Banda, the provincial police spokesperson for Matabeleland North, confirmed the occurrence.
“Villagers are in shock after the arrest of one of them because he was domesticating snakes in his granary,” said Insp Banda.
The accused appeared at the Hwange magistrates court recently where he was remanded out of custody to 26 October for continuation of trial. Insp Banda warned members of the public to avoid keeping species that are under the protection of the law.
“I would like to warn members of the public to resist this tendency of hunting animals or species because it is against the law of our country and it will also lead to some people being injured by the same species. Actions like this result in lack of trust among members of the community because traditionally, it’s unusual to find a person keeping snakes. Let us also stop farming and selling weed because it is illegal in this country,” added Insp Banda.
