Customer releases deadly snakes in bank

Johannesburg - A disgruntled customer faces possible attempted murder charges after he released five venomous snakes into a South African bank Thursday.

Absa bank said a contract worker for the bank was bitten by one of the vipers and taken to hospital. His condition was not immediately known but the snakes were believed to be puff adders, which are highly poisonous.

In a statement, Absa said "an aggrieved individual" released the five snakes into the reception hall of the group's headquarters.

"The individual has been in a dispute with Absa Bank Limited over a motor vehicle which was financed by a company in which Absa ... hold 50 percent of the shares," it said.

The bank added that emergency services arrived at the scene and removed the snakes.

The individual has not been arrested yet but police said they planned to open a docket of attempted murder.

Even crime-hardened Johannesburg, police who work the streets of one of the world's most dangerous cities said the incident was shocking.

"I've been a cop for 30 years and I've never come across something like this. ... It could have caused havoc man, chaos," said Johannesburg police spokesman Chris Wilken. -- Reuters

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