Presidential security detail in Lilongwe has captured a five-foot snake that was on the loose at Kamuzu palace .
Police sources say there have been a number of snakes killed at Kamuzu Palace but the latest one was the largest.
The snake was shot by the guards who feared it was venomous.
President Muthatrika is away in Ethiopia and is expected to attend a ceremony at Millenium Hall, Addis Ababa University where he will be conferred Doctorate Degree of Letters, Honoris Causa.