South African Man Dies After Deliberately Exposing Himself to Snake Venom Amid Police Probe

A 28-year-old man, identified as Marius Joubert, met a harrowing end after deliberately allowing his own snakes to bite him during a police operation at his residence in Hennenman, approximately 100 miles north of Bloemfontein.

Authorities revealed that Joubert, a security guard, had been under investigation for burglary, theft, and the unlawful possession of exotic animals. When officers arrived to search his property, they were stunned to find around 60 snakes alongside a menagerie of other exotic creatures, including a crocodile, iguanas, monitors, tarantulas, hedgehogs, and ferrets.

According to officials, Joubert requested permission to feed his snakes once his handcuffs were removed. Instead, he deliberately placed his hands into the enclosures, provoking at least two snakes into biting him. One of the species identified was an Indochinese Spitting Cobra, a highly venomous snake not native to South Africa, for which no local antivenom exists.

Experts explained that the venom acted as both a neurotoxin and a cytotoxin, shutting down his respiratory system while causing internal bleeding and severe tissue damage. The agonizing process reportedly took hours to claim his life, despite attempts to rush him to hospital.

A source close to the investigation noted:

“He was aware that the offences he faced could result in a lengthy prison sentence, possibly up to 25 years. Choosing instead to provoke his snakes, he subjected himself to an extremely painful and drawn-out death.”

The incident has sparked significant concern over the origins of the animals in Joubert’s possession and the welfare of those left behind. Many of the creatures were found in a state of severe neglect, with some already dead from starvation and dehydration.

The Bloemfontein Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) intervened, removing more than 70 animals from the property with the assistance of snake catchers. The surviving creatures were transported to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for treatment.

Chief Inspector Reinet Meyer of the SPCA described the conditions as “like a horror movie,” adding:

“Our goal is to rehabilitate as many indigenous species as possible and return them to the wild. Sadly, many of the exotic foreign animals will need to be euthanised, as we do not place animals in captivity or zoos. The level of neglect was severe, and many animals require urgent care.”

Investigations remain ongoing into Joubert’s activities, the sourcing of the exotic creatures, and the potential network of clients linked to his unlawful trade.