Dramatic shooting and car crash shuts down Lobelia Hall

A DRAMATIC shooting incident has caused all activities at Lentegeur’s Lobelia Hall to be halted after a vehicle crashed into the facility’s fence.

Lentegeur police spokesperson, Constable Navon Van Houten, said the incident occurred early on Sunday, 1 February, between 1am and 3am.

A white Kia Picanto was reportedly speeding along Kreupelhout Street, Lentegeur, when the driver lost control and collided with the hall’s fence. 

 Constable van Houten said: It is believed the driver fled the scene because “someone was shooting at them in the vehicle. 

An accident report has been opened at Lentegeur SAPS.

One of the passengers, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said they did not sustain any injuries.

There were five people in the car, including their partner. The incident happened while they were on their way to “Klopse around 2am and were preparing to leave," the person said.

They explained: “My stepdad, who has a problem with my partner, arrived with a gun, and everyone began shouting. 

“As he pointed the firearm, the car (Kia Picanto) turned, and another vehicle appeared. 

“My partner drove into the fence while my stepdad tried to fire at us.

“The gun did go off, and he fired again after the crash. Everyone ran from the car, and no one was hurt.”

Jamie Benting, senior facility officer for the Recreation and Parks Department, said they are investigating the water leaks caused by the crash and hope to reopen the hall by the end of the week.

A memorandum to stakeholders confirmed that Lobelia Hall has remained closed since Monday, February 2, until further notice due to damage to the main water supply, said Ms Benting.

She confirmed: “The hall currently has no running water, creating serious health and safety risks, including hygiene and sanitation issues, unsafe ablution facilities, non-compliance with occupational health and safety standards, and making the venue unsuitable for staff or public use.”

In line with health and safety policy, the hall cannot operate without an adequate water supply. Repairs will begin once assessments are complete, and restoration work can be carried out.

The department apologised for the inconvenience.