Posted by Hunter [12.211.199.55 - 12-211-199-55.client.attbi.com] on 20 March 2003 at 05.48.14 ZuluTime:

Taken from:
     http://www.news24.com/ [link goes directly to the article]

DANGEROUS CREATURE IN SEBOKENG

The discovery of a White Throat Monitor lizard in Sebokeng Zone 16 has left residents fuming and shocked. This is their reaction to makeshift holes found by council workers. The general belief is that the reptile used the holes as a home, threatening the safety of children who use the spot as a playground. The larger-than-life monitor, discovered around 11:00 on Saturday March 15, apparently survived in the dug holes for some time before it was spotted by boys playing next to the furrow. They apparently raised the alarm, prompting neighbours and passers-by to rally around for a glimpse of the potentially dangerous reptile. The general belief is that the Monitor kills humans by snaring prey with its long tail and then sticking its snake-like tongue through their noses in order to suck out their brains. Apparently the two police officers who arrived first at the scene after being called by irate residents, took to their heels at the sight of the Monitor. Eventually, the Police came to the scene, but only after the reptile had been killed. The hero of the day, Geelboy Mkhwanazi (25), managed to wrestle the Monitor from a resident's home where it had fled from the council-dug furrows. Some residents expressed fear that since the slain reptile was a male, a female might be nursing her eggs somewhere. Speaking to Vaal Weekly Mkhwanazi said that he is aware of the danger posed by Monitors. But his prior experience helped him hold on to the animal's tail until it had been stabbed to death with sharp objects by other residents. Reports state that the reptile is a delicacy for some people and that other communities actually hunt Monitors for its fish-like taste. The face of another man, Louis Nhlapo, whom the reptile had sprayed with saliva, developed a rash, although Vaal Weekly couldn't determine the link between the rash and the reptile's saliva at the time of going to press. Residents expressed reservations that the Monitor, which normally survives in rocky and mountainous areas, should not be found in urban areas like Sebokeng Zone 16. Emfuleni media spokesperson, Stan Gaba said that he was unaware of the dug holes when Vaal Weekly sought comment from him. He said Council will, however, investigate the matter since it emerged that such holes now serve as habitats for creatures such as Monitors. The "mysterious" find has added to the growing number of unusual discoveries made in the area including the infestation by snakes and rats.

...my brain hurts too much to respond....