South Africa snake man not guilty

The snakes caused panic in the bank (Pic: RSPCA)

A South African man has been acquitted of a charge of attempted murder after releasing five poisonous snakes inside a Johannesburg bank.

However, Abel Manamela was found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was upset with Absa bank after his car was repossessed.

The sight of snakes slithering around the reception area caused staff and customers to run. A cleaner was bitten on the finger and needed surgery.

Magistrate Lucas van der Schyff said he sympathised with the man's frustration.

"The mere fact that he was wronged by Absa does not give him the right to take matters in his own hands. Two wrongs don't make a right," he said.

Sentencing will take place at a later date.