Parabuthus transvaalicus is the major cause of serious scorpion envenomation in Zimbabwe with recorded cases of death. Parabuthus mossambicensis has also been implicated in cases of serious envenomation. All Parabuthus and especially P. kalaharicus, P. schlechteri and P. villosus must be regarded as potentially lethal. The reason for the high number of envenomations by Parabuthus granulatus is probably due to its habit of actively foraging unlike most scorpions' sedentary ambush strategy. The victims are usually stung on the foot due to open footwear or no footwear.
Scorpions are a greater problem in the north-western Cape than snakes.
All scorpions posses a neurotoxic venom that affects the central nervous system but there are some exotic species with cytotoxic venom. The family Ischnuridae with its thin tail and small stinger can hardly penetrate the skin although some of the larger species can execute a mild to painful sting. Scorpions, as with spiders and snakes, voluntarily deliver venom that is expelled by 2 muscles surrounding the venom gland in the vesicle. Sometimes, the animal can deliver a dry sting and the victim, due to sheer hysteria, can show false signs and symptoms. The depth of the sting will also determine the severity of the envenomation as will the health and size of the victim.