To his family he was Sipho Khumalo but to the community he was the 'Devil' of Zola and Mndeni and was feared by many because of his collection of snakes that used to intimidate many.

Devil was laid to rest today but his funeral was mainly attended by Izangoma whilst neighbours did not attend and watched from their gates fearing the possibility of his many snakes roaming around.

Devil as he was known to the community was laid to rest

WE ARE RELIEVED 

A neighbour, who refused to be named, said they don't hate him but he made them feel uncomfortable for over a decade.

"He had four big pythons and several other venomous snakes that he kept in his house. He drove around with the pythons and even went into some shops with them." Devil often drew attention and mixed reactions wherever he went.He is said to have instilled discipline and was trusted by many to deal with criminals.Speaking to Zimoja Tebogo Mbatha said he was once an addict and problematic.

"I used to steal and the day I vowed never to steal again and get rid of my addiction was when Devil locked me in a room with two of his pythons after I stole sneakers from his nephew. Thirty minutes was enough and had already wet myself and confessed to where I had sold the sneakers."

HE FELT HIS DEATH COMING

His uncle John Khumalo said as a family they believed that Devil knew he was going to die.

"Three weeks ago he shook us all when he took all his snakes to the snake park. It took him three days to return all of them because he was doing it in groups. He also sold his owls, ducks, tortoises, dogs and any other animals he had in the yard- which was like a mini zoo," he said.

He added, "Devil meant no harm and his love for animals started when he was just a boy. It got worse when he accepted his calling he literally enjoyed the company of animals more than humans. However, the community started to fear him and reduced him to a witch. We will dearly miss him and his kind heart."