Security guard dies after 'suicide by snake' in 'horrific and painful' death
09.04.2024 - 19:27
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A man took his own life by allowing highly venomous snakes to bite him after authorities discovered he had illegally imported the exotic animals.
South African Security guard Marius Joubert died agonisingly after being bitten by his own snakes following his arrest by police. The horrific event happened in Hennenman, a town approximately 100 miles north of the city of Bloemfontein in South Africa.
The 28-year-old had been under investigation for burglary and theft. Concerns arose when police planned to search his home, suspecting him of illegal activities involving exotic animals. Joubert, realizing the severity of the situation, reportedly opted for a drastic end rather than facing potential long-term imprisonment, The Mirror reports.
During the police visit to his residence, officers were taken aback to discover over 60 snakes, along with other exotic creatures such as a crocodile, iguanas, monitors, tarantulas, hedgehogs, and ferrets. Unknown to the officers, Joubert used the opportunity to deliberately provoke his snakes into biting him, leading to his death.
Authorities later confirmed that Joubert intentionally subjected himself to the lethal venom of his snakes. Despite efforts to save him, including a rushed trip to the hospital, the lack of appropriate antivenom led to his death.
A source close to the investigation said: "[Joubert] knew the offences he would be charged with would be much more serious and that many of the snakes and animals he had could put him behind bars for 25 years. He asked if he could feed his snakes and once the cuffs were off he stuck his hands in two cages and was bitten by two snakes in the wrist area and then was restrained."
"We know one of the snakes that bit him was an Indochinese Spitting