A python tending to her unhatched young in a sport centre in Kampong Cham’s Tbong Khmum district is imbued with magical powers and even helped one devotee win the lottery, locals say.

The python has become the centre of attention among the residents of Chup commune, where the snake has nested and laid 23 eggs.

After being discovered at the Asuna Sports Centre by the complex’s owner, district resident Chan Thea, 43, rushed to offer prayers and blessings to the snake, which many locals revere as a spirit.

Thea says the python then transmitted a series of numbers to him, which he claims to have used in a winning lottery play.

“The python became magic. I prayed to it and then I won the lottery draw. It is unbelievable,” he said.

The owner, Chan Sokheng, said that after news of Thea’s winning ticket spread, locals flocked to the sport complex.

“We found it at our centre and then it surprised local residents. They believe that it brings good luck and makes them win the lottery,” he said.

Heng Sun Lai, chief of Roka Thome village, said villagers would not be dissuaded from believing the snake had magical powers.

“We cannot stop the residents believing it. They believe that it makes them win the lottery draw after they pray for luck and happiness,” he said.

“The residents find it easy to believe some things,” he went on to say.

But the interest in the python and the widespread belief that it can bring good fortune has led Sokheng to fear for its safety, causing him to request police take custody of the creature before someone abducts it.