SPCA Inspection Saves Five Snakes and Helps Uncover Hidden Explosives

Photo Credit: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

What began as a routine animal welfare inspection in the quiet farming neighbourhood of Mikpunt unfolded into a powerful showcase of the lifesaving impact of the SPCA’s work. Not only were five snakes rescued from poor conditions, but it also helped uncover and stop a hidden danger before it could harm the community.

Cape Town, South Africa (30 June 2026) – There are almost no lengths animal welfare work won’t go to or stones it will leave unturned to reach the most vulnerable of animals in their hour of need.

SPCA teams know this well, and recently, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspectors conducted a routine warrant execution at a Mikpunt property that not only helped recover five snakes but also uncovered something inspectors were never meant to find.

“When our team executed a court warrant at a property in Mikpunt, they went in expecting reptiles kept in poor conditions that were believed to contravene the law. What else was on the premises turned a welfare inspection into a multi-agency operation – and ended with an arrest,” Cape of Good Hope said.

Assisted by the City of Cape Town Metro Police and the Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit, the SPCA attended the property to inspect and remove the reptiles but also discovered two suspected military explosive devices on the premises.

The scene was immediately secured, and the South African Police Service Explosives Unit and the South African National Defence Force were called to safely assess and deal with the devices.

The occupant of the home was placed under arrest and transported to the Durbanville SAPS, where he was formally charged. The criminal investigation relating to the explosive devices is now being handled by the relevant law enforcement authorities.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA confirmed that the confiscated five snakes are not native to South Africa and were being kept in unhygienic enclosures that were inadequate for their size and welfare needs. They are now in the SPCA’s custody and will undergo veterinary assessment and receive appropriate care while the SPCA’s investigation continues.

Not only were five reptiles removed from undeserved, dire conditions, but this brave animal welfare work also uncovered an entirely different realm of criminal activity that posed a threat to an unknowing community. Danger was stopped in its tracks, justice was served beyond any law enforcement officer’s expectations that day, and South Africa is a lot more safer thanks to what began as a routine animal welfare inspection.