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Bundi,

I have been told the same thing. A family member of mine was working in the garden when she saw a movement in the shrubs, so close to her face that at first she could not focus on the object. Lo and behold, a black mamba centimeters away from her (face). She also mentioned a curry powder-like smell, which her gardener, who was next to her, confirmed.
The snake moved off like a flash, crossed the swimming pool, hardly stirring the water. Now I must add that all of this all happened during an adrenaline rush so give or take a bit here and there

I believe a dozen gin and tonics managed to get things under control again

This week I have read an interesting article in the electronic newspaper (News24, Beeld). It is about a black mamba living with her owner in the same house in Mashishing or the former Lydenburg, and she is allowed to slither around at free will. Her name is “Swartbek” or “black mouth” in English. The owner says that he is very fond of little Swartbek who is 3,3 m long.

According to him he came across Swartbek ten years ago after her pregnant mother was run over by a car. He then cut open the snake and removed her eggs and Swartbek was born in an incubator and lived with him ever since. I am not sure whether this is a good thing or not. I am not convinced that a black mamba or any other snake can become so tame that they can live with you in the same house in peace.