A 45-year-old man, Caiphus Monareng, died after a snake bit him on his genitals while he was relieving himself next to rubble at his home in Casteel on January 6.

His wife said the snake vanished into the bushes after the attack. Despite her pleas to go to the hospital, Monareng chose to consult a traditional healer, believing the bite was linked to witchcraft.

After realizing his medicine was ineffective, the healer advised hospitalization, but Monareng lost consciousness on the way and died before reaching medical care.

Local snake catcher, Cockroach Mdluli, urged immediate hospital visits after a snakebite, warning that traditional remedies cannot replace antivenom treatment.

He also advised residents to clear rubble and close windows and doors to prevent snakes from entering homes.