A Johannesburg man is due to appear in court after he attempted to ram his vehicle into News Café in Rosebank on Friday night.
When a the man was refused entry to the trendy hangout spot, chaos ensued.
According to News Café management, the man returned “in a fit of rage” and attempted to enter the establishment again, this time using his vehicle.
The man, who was not a customer, allegedly entered News Café Rosebank and caused a commotion. According to management, he insulted, antagonised, and intimidated customers. The establishment’s security personnel were able to remove the man from the premises, but it was not the last time he was seen.
Later that evening, the man returned “in a fit of rage” and attempted to drive his vehicle into News Café. He did not succeed in his goal, but there was extensive property damage, including vehicles, furniture, and the building’s façade.
Watch the incident below:
The Management District is aware of the unfortunate incident that took place at Newscafe last night and our reaction officers were available to assist despite one of our vehicles being damaged in the process. The matters is now in the hands of law enforcement #Rosebank pic.twitter.com/eXbGrIyZjg
— Rosebank (@RosebankJoburg) April 24, 2021
A patron that was present when the incident occurred commented: “This man initially got into a scuffle with the bouncers. The next thing the waiter pushes me out of the way saying ‘this guy is about to drive into the restaurant. He attempted to ram into the restaurant twice.”
The patron claimed that after his first attempt was unsuccessful the man tried to crash his vehicle into the smoking section of the restaurant but the parked cars in the area foiled his attempt.
“If it wasn’t for the cars he would’ve probably been successful in driving in,” added the patron.
The man was reportedly a jaded lover who allegedly wanted to see his ex-girlfriend who did not wish to see him, according to the management district.
Not me nearly dying at Rosebank! This guy drove his car into Newscafe. pic.twitter.com/PLZAMox6MO
— Homegirls and Handgrenades? (@ItsLithaAfter9) April 23, 2021
According to reports, the 33-year-old man is expected to face charges of negligent and reckless driving in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 April.
“Thank you to our quick thinking team that immobilised the threat—in addition everyone whom helped, from the security to the SAPS and our new neighbours Proud Mary,” said News Café management in a statement on Friday.
Photo: @ItsLithaAfter9/Twitter