Latest news with #BlackMamba
IOL News
15-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
‘There shouldn't be a python here': Nick Evans stunned by snake discovery on Durban's M19
Nick Evans, a Durban snake catcher, with a python he rescued on the M19 near New Germany in Pinetown this week. Durban snake catcher Nick Evans rescued a three-metre python on the M19 near Pinetown. For Evans, what was unusual was that pythons are not usually found in these areas. Evan said he was contacted by the eThekwini Municipality about a large python hanging around a patch of bush next to the M19 near New Germany. "There's no pythons there, it will be a Black Mamba", Evans recalled telling the caller. He said there probably was a python population in the vicinity many, many decades ago, but they've since been wiped out. He said that while Mambas are also unusual, it was more likely. He said he followed them to the spot where they had seen the big snake. "When we arrived, I got out of my car, armed with my tongs, ready to catch the mamba. Then they pointed out the snake. I was shocked, it was a python." Evans said he put his thongs away and planned to grab its head, but the snake tried to escape into thicker bush. Evans said that with the help of his companion Joseph, they managed to catch the python. So, where did the python come from? "I don't believe it's an escaped pet. Southern African Pythons are a protected species, illegal to keep, and make terrible pets as they don't calm down. "Sometimes they're kept illegally in cruel conditions, not as pets, but for scamming reasons, but such snakes usually have injuries on their snouts from attempting to escape. He said there's an industrial area nearby. "Maybe, just maybe, it got into a truck somewhere, and got brought to the New Germany area." IOL News
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
‘Bloody Hell!' – Where did it come from? Large python caught in KZN
The reptile will be released into the wild, where it will be safer. Snake rescuer Nick Evans did not expect to see a large python when he was contacted by the municipality after a snake was spotted next to the M19 in New Germany, KwaZulu-Natal, last week. Despite the municipality telling him it was a python, Evans said he went there expecting to find a Black Mamba, as 'there are no pythons there'. 'There probably was a python population in the vicinity many, many decades ago, but they've since been wiped out. Although it would be a little unusual to be a mamba too, just more likely,' Evans said. ALSO READ: Illegal side hustle gone wrong: Teens try to sell R20k python for R2k Apart from the New Germany Nature Reserve, the area nearby is an industrial zone, with no suitable hiding place for a python of that size. 'On Thursday, I followed them to the spot where they had been seeing the big snake. When we arrived, I got out of my car, armed with my tongs, ready to catch the mamba. Then they pointed out the snake. 'Bloody Hell!'- I was shocked, it was a python. I put my tongs back and walked into the bush, approaching the basking beast of a snake,' he added. 'Easy catch' What he initially thought would be an 'easy catch' turned into a tug of war match when the reptile was not trying to attack him, but to get away. 'I had to catch this snake; it had no future here. I grabbed the tail, but as it peed in my hands (as always), it was starting to slip out of my grip. Up stepped [ a colleague] Joseph. He came to help me and grabbed the tail end, just as I was losing it. Together, we pulled, and pulled, and I could feel us 'winning' the tug of war. I let go and moved forward to go for the head, which I quickly got. The wrestling match was over.' ALSO READ: Python on a plate: Slithering snakes as sustainable supper solution? The snake was around 3.5 metres. Evans said the python would be released at an undisclosed location, where it will continue to exist in nature uninterrupted. The Southern African python According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the Southern African python, also known as a rock python or African rock python, is the largest snake in southern Africa. The males can weigh up to 44kg and reach lengths of up to 4.25m. The females can be even larger, weighing up to 55kg and reaching lengths of 5.0m. The reptiles can live for more than 27 years. The snakes control dassies and cane rats, especially in KwaZulu-Natal's sugarcane fields, according to SANBI. Southern African pythons are protected and vulnerable, and it is illegal to capture or kill them. READ NEXT: Python kills sniffer dog in Limpopo
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Dodgers will give away Kobe Bryant bobbleheads in a few weeks
The legacy and spirit of Kobe Bryant continues to live on five years after his tragic death in a helicopter crash. The Los Angeles Lakers legend will forever be admired and celebrated across the Southland, as well as across the nation, and he has admirers who play sports other than basketball. The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost seven games in a row, but they're still in first place in the National League West, and they still should have a real shot at repeating as World Series champions. In a few weeks, they will honor the memory of the "Black Mamba" with a special offering at Dodger Stadium. On Aug. 8, when they host the Toronto Blue Jays, they will be giving away bobbleheads with Bryant's likeness. The design of those bobbleheads has been unveiled. The Blue Jays are currently on top of the American League East with a 55-39 record and have won 11 of their last 12 games. That Aug. 8 contest will kick off a three-game series between Toronto and the Dodgers, and it will give fans the opportunity to watch five-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. take on the boys in blue.
Khaleej Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dr Osama Regaah wins ‘Outstanding UAE Author Excellence Award' at UAE's Next MasterMind Awards 2025
At the prestigious UAE's Next MasterMind Awards 2025, held at the elegant Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai, celebrating global business and corporate leaders, coaching leaders and authors. Among the night's most distinguished honourees was Dr Osama Regaah, who received the 'Outstanding UAE Author Excellence Award' for his novel Black Mamba. Dr Osama Regaah is recognised not only for his literary brilliance but also for his commanding influence as legal director. Dr Regaah was presented the award on stage by esteemed dignitaries: Dr Shaikha Almazrouei, co-founder of Cell Lab7; and Dr Nidal Abou Zaki, founder and managing director of Orient Planet Group (OPG) and secretary general of Lebanese Business Council of Dubai & Northern Emirates. This recognition marked a celebration not only of Dr Regaah's literary achievements but also of his broader intellectual influence across the Arab world and beyond. In his acceptance speech, Dr Osama Regaah shared: "To write is to preserve truth and to challenge silence. Literature and law are both languages of justice and I'm honoured to stand in service of both." At the awards ceremony, his critically acclaimed novel Black Mamba was spotlighted for its philosophical depth and psychological brilliance. Through vivid characters like Maqsoud, Samia, and the enigmatic Jaika, the novel explores the blurred lines between truth and illusion, love and power, earning attention from literary scholars and graduate researchers across the region. He is a celebrated literary figure whose novels and writings have been published across Jordan, Turkey, Morocco, Iran, and Sudan, with translations into Persian, Turkish, and Amharic. The UAE's Next MasterMind Awards, now in its 13 year, founded by Dr Mansoor Al Obeidli and Dr Navana Kundu, continues to be one of the most respected global platforms honouring excellence across 40 plus industries. The 2025 edition was marked by powerful keynote addresses, unmatched networking and recognitions that celebrated leadership rooted in authenticity, intellect, and global impact. Dr Osama's recognition as the Outstanding UAE Author is more than an award - it reflects his rare gift of uniting two powerful worlds: the clarity of law and the beauty of literature. His ability to inspire through both logic and language is a mark of true brilliance. His presence at the event reminded that real influence comes from the courage to use words, whether legal or literary, to shape thought, inspire change, and move society forward.
Hypebeast
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Kobe Bryant x Nike Offcourt Slides Slated to Return in "Triple Black"
Name:Kobe Bryant x Nike Offcourt Slides 'Triple Black'Colorway:BlackSKU:IF2870-001MSRP:$42 USDRelease Date:Fall 2025Where to Buy:Nike The enduring legacy ofKobe Bryantcontinues to inspire both on and off the court, withNikeexpanding its offerings that honor the late basketball icon. The latest addition set to make waves is the return of the Kobe Bryant xNike Offcourt Slidesin a sleek 'Triple Black' colorway. This highly anticipated slide, with its subtle nod to the Black Mamba, is poised to be a must-have for fans and is now available as of Fall 2025. This 'Triple Black' iteration brings a sophisticated, versatile aesthetic to the popular Offcourt Slide silhouette. The entire slide is drenched in black, from the footbed to the outsole, offering a clean and understated look. A key detail that ties it directly to Kobe's enduring legacy is the faux snakeskin texture meticulously applied to the forefoot strap. This detail is a direct reference to Bryant's iconic 'Black Mamba' moniker, adding a touch of his fierce persona to a casual footwear staple. Prominently placed on the strap is Kobe's signature Sheath logo, molded seamlessly into the design, serving as a constant reminder of his impact. The Nike Offcourt Slide is designed for comfort and ease, making it perfect for post-game recovery, casual outings, or simply lounging. It features a plush foam footbed and durable rubber outsole with a reliable circular tread, ensuring comfort and traction with every step.
