Fact-check: The image depicting a snake swallowing a gun in Gudele is a fabricated work of art by a Russian artist

The photo, which is being used on social media with a claim that a snake has swallowed an AK-47 rifle in Gudele Juba suburb, is an artwork made of rubber by Russian artist Vasily Slonov in 2019. 

Writer: Makur Majeng

A Facebook post claiming that a snake swallowed an AK47 in Gudele, a residential area in Juba, South Sudan, is false and misleading.

The claim purported a big-size black viper (snake) swallowed the firearm of an unknown gunman terrorising Gudele, one of the largest suburb areas in the capital Juba, South Sudan. 

“A black big-size Viper swallowed a firearm belonging to unknown gunman known for terrorizing Gudele suburb in the capital Juba.

Ngundeng Böng oyeeeeee,” Phow Radio FM Facebook page post reads.

The screenshot of the Facebook post

The photo was earlier posted by The 211 Magazine on June 28, 2020, with the caption “Snake swallows AK-47. What would you do if you’re the owner of the assault rifle?”

It was also posted by Hrock Chidi‘s Facebook page on August 29, 2019, with the statement, “Snake swallowed Nigerian Army rifle in Borno State. Look at the evil going on in that country.. We must continue”.

Claim Verification:

211 Check found that the photo of the snake-like figure that is viral on social media has been posted as artwork for sale on several art websites. 

Using a reverse image search, it was found that the artwork was featured on Artsy.net in 2019 and is made of rubber. Additionally, the image has been trending online since 2019 and has no connection to South Sudan, as indicated by various image search engines, including Google, Yandex, and Bing. Furthermore, the information has been fact-checked and verified across multiple sources,  here, here, here, and here.

Google Fact-check tool shows that four different fact-checking organisations have fact-checked it to be an artwork, not a real snake.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that the photo going viral on social media is not of a real snake but of a rubber artwork by Russian artist Vasily Slonov. This artwork is called “Python-AK,” made of rubber, and was created in 2019. 

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter