An investigation is underway into the discovery of a locally extinct African Rock Python, spotted in Gqeberha's Well Estate for the first time in nearly 100 years.
The female of about 4 meters long was allegedly killed by a pack of dogs and its owners, who were out hunting in the area last week.
News of the species came to light after a video did the rounds on social media of a group of men showing off their kill.
In one of the videos, three men are seen carrying the snake over their shoulders, and in another, the snake is lying on the ground.
Snake expert and owner of Sandula Conservation, Mark Marshall said the snake became extinct in the Eastern Cape and is listed as a protected species.
The last time a Rock Python was spotted in the Eastern Cape was in 1927.
"It is sad that a snake of that size was killed. It was a healthy female in mint condition."
Marshall said chances are that the snake was accidentally transported into the province on the back of a truck, kept as a pet, or that a population had gone undetected.
