A green mamba made itself a most unwelcome passenger of a Mercedes-Benz parked at Tiffany’s Shopping Centre in Salt Rock on Sunday afternoon.

But thanks to the eagle-eyed security guards the 1.3 metre snake was spotted slithering across the car park and up into the undercarriage of the car.

A crowd of about 100 people gathered as snake catcher David Hoehler, Specialised Rescue’s Quentin Power and Ndlolo Reptile Park owner and mamba expert Neville Wolmarans set to work jacking up the car and coaxing out the venomous reptile.

“Neville got under the car and loosened the panel to get the snake to move up through the engine where I was able to pin it with a pair of tongs. It took about 30 minutes to catch him,” said Hoehler.

Wolmarans said the mamba was a young male in good health.

“I will release the snake into the forest between Blythdale and Zinkwazi,” he said.

Wolmarans said the snake had most likely travelled to Tiffany’s after climbing into another vehicle.

“It may have been under pressure from other males in his area and was looking for a place to hide.

While the green mamba is highly venomous, Wolmarans said it is much less aggressive than the black mamba, preferring to flee, but it will strike when cornered.

For help with a snake removal contact Wolmarans on 082 561 4969.