Famous Bloem party spot shut down

2012-12-17 11:00

Cathy Dlodlo, City Press

Bloemfontein - One of Bloemfontein's most famous party spots has been left high and dry by a court order and owner Power Tshabalala is spitting mad.

His famous Mahungra car wash, which becomes a hot party spot at night, was shut down by the Free State High Court on Saturday night after provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Khehla Sithole brought an urgent interdict application for the venue to be closed down.

The court granted an interdict, prohibiting it from holding big events.

The car wash, often a very popular spot during big events in Bloemfontein, is situated next to the N8 on the way to the Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein.

According to the urgent court application, Tshabalala was planning a bash for lSunday night.  At least 5 000 people were expected to attend.

The interim order prohibited the party from continuing unless Tshabalala could secure a certificate in terms of the Safety at Sport and Recreational Events Act.

Judge AF Jordaan ruled that Tshabalala had until 17 January 2013 to give reasons for why the order should not be made permanent - cold comfort for the Mahungra owner.

Tshabalala said he was furious because he had spent a lot of money planning events for the ANC delegates for the duration of the Mangaung conference.

“I ordered alcohol for R1.5m and had to pay a R92 000 deposit for four tents. I am going to lose a lot of money,” he told City Press.

Tshabalala said he received a grading certificate on 13 December from the police, but a day later he received another letter from the police questioning his certificate.

“The next thing that happened was the court papers being served on Saturday at 16:00,” he said.

The police said in court papers they were concerned “because of the great risk this event could hold for the lives of attendees”.

- City Press