KZN Clinic Shut Down After Snake Infestation: The KwaNgcolosi Clinic Shuts Down
A local clinic in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has been forced to close its doors due to a snake infestation, leaving residents without access to essential healthcare services. The KwaNgcolosi Clinic, located in Ngcolosi near Hillcrest, has been shut down since Monday following multiple reported sightings of dangerous snakes, including a black mamba and a python.
ALSO READ: New Joburg Naledi Clinic Completed After Five-Year Construction Delay
Snake Infestation Forces Clinic Closure
The closure of KwaNgcolosi Clinic has left the semi-rural community in distress, as the facility serves as a vital healthcare provider for the area. Patients are now being redirected to the Maphephetheni and Waterfall clinics, which are further away and less convenient for residents.
According to reports from The Witness, staff members first spotted a snake in the pharmacy, and later, another one in the filing room, raising serious concerns about safety. The incident has highlighted a growing issue of wildlife encroachment into human settlements, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas of South Africa.
Frustration Grows Among Residents
The sudden closure of the clinic has sparked frustration and concern among residents, many of whom depend on the facility for medical assistance.
“The clinic we have is the only one that works. I have seen others come here by bus from all these places. If this clinic closes, we have nowhere else to go,” said one distressed resident.
While a snake catcher has already removed a black mamba from the premises, reports suggest that this is not the first or only incident. Residents claim there have been at least four other snake sightings, including rock monitors, over the past few weeks.
Similar Incidents in Other Provinces
This is not the first time a South African healthcare facility has been shut down due to a snake infestation.
In January 2025, the Limpopo Department of Health had to temporarily close Mogoto Clinic in Zebediela after a large snake was seen on the premises.
To protect both staff and patients, the Limpopo health department took immediate action, which included:
- Deploying snake catchers to remove the reptile.
- Installing snake repellents and sealing all entry points.
- Conducting a community-led cleaning campaign around the clinic.
These preventative measures were essential in ensuring the safe reopening of the clinic, and a similar approach may be necessary for KwaNgcolosi Clinic before it can resume operations.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Future Incidents?
Given the increasing reports of snakes and other wildlife entering healthcare facilities, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health may need to adopt proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. Some possible solutions include:
- Regular inspections and maintenance of clinic grounds to clear overgrown vegetation where snakes may hide.
- Installing snake deterrents such as repellent powders, chemical barriers, or sonic repellers.
- Improving waste management to avoid attracting rodents, which in turn attract snakes.
- Educating staff and patients on snake safety and emergency protocols.
Awaiting Official Response from KZN Health Department
The KZN Department of Health has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. The Citizen has reached out to department spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa, and any further responses will be added to the story.
In the meantime, the closure of KwaNgcolosi Clinic remains a pressing concern for residents who now face longer travel distances to access medical care.
Final Thoughts
The snake infestation at KwaNgcolosi Clinic has exposed the challenges of providing healthcare services in areas where human settlements and wildlife intersect. While alternative clinics have been suggested, the lack of immediate medical access for the community remains a significant issue.
Authorities must take swift action to ensure the clinic is safe for reopening and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. For now, residents are left anxiously waiting for a solution.
