A wave of panic swept through the Nkololoun district of Douala II when a snake was spotted in a warehouse on Monday, April 13, 2023. The incident led to the questioning of a couple of traders by the gendarmerie, before being released for lack of evidence.
According to testimonies collected on the spot, Jonas T., 39, and his wife Marlyse, traders who frequented the premises, went to the warehouse to unpack goods. They reportedly asked the manager to close the door and turn on the light before starting. Shortly after, another user entering the warehouse reportedly saw an unusual shape near the couple's packages.
The alarm was raised, and according to one witness, the animal raised its head, confirming the presence of a snake. Another user corroborated this version, claiming to have looked for something to neutralize the reptile. The situation escalated when some accused the couple of denying the presence of the snake, while others claimed to have seen it before it disappeared.
The gendarmerie forces were called to the scene in the face of general agitation. Jonas T. and his wife were taken in for questioning. The warehouse manager reportedly mentioned a possible "totem detention," an accusation common in this type of situation, but difficult to prove legally.
In the absence of concrete evidence, the couple was released. However, the warehouse manager demanded that they vacate the space they occupied. This incident highlights the beliefs and superstitions still present in some communities, where animals, such as snakes, can be seen as totems or spiritual symbols. For some, the snake is a protector, a guarantor of health and fertility, while for others it is associated with conspiracy and evil.
The Nkololoun snake affair is not an isolated case. Similar events have already been reported in Cameroon, where the discovery of a snake can cause fear and misunderstanding, even accusations of witchcraft. In November 2024, a snake caused shock at a wedding in Douala, unexpectedly emerging from under the buffet.
Beyond the immediate panic, these events raise questions about the coexistence of traditional beliefs and modern realities. They also serve as a reminder of the need for a nuanced and respectful approach to different cultures and worldviews.
The incident in Nkololoun led to the couple's eviction from the warehouse.
