The snake emerged from a drain at the police station on February 12, and someone apparently injured it, before it was later taken to the SPCA.
According to SPCA manager Wilma Steynbergh, the reptile was already dead when it was brought to the society by the police.
The death is being investigated by the SPCA.
The society has not yet identified the person responsible for the death, but they believe that there are people who could come forward and help them as witnesses.
The cash reward for information leading to the identification and prosecution of the snake killer has been put up by Nicole Barlow, who is the chairperson of both the Environment and Conservation Association and Ekurhuleni Ratepayers Association.
“I’m offering a cash reward for anyone giving information to help the SPCA find the person, or persons responsible for this horrific animal cruelty,” she said.
“I suppose police officers know how to behave responsibly when they encounter such creatures; they are supposed to set an example and show that difficult situations can be dealt with in a positive and not destructive manner.
“Snakes are one of the most amazing creatures and, having spent years studying them, I fail to understand the ignorant and unfounded superstition that some people have with regard to these magnificent reptiles.
“We need to educate them about how special rinkhals and other species are.
“These snakes are protected by the Animals Protection Act and people — the police in particular — cannot plead ignorance of the law.”
Barlow is appealing to anyone who saw the person who allegedly poured boiling water over the rinkhals, resulting in its unnecessary death, to come forward.
Barlow may be reached on 061 882 9872.
Steynbergh added that the perpetrator will be charged in terms of the Animals Protection Act.
