The V&A Waterfront is a pretty classy place (most of the time), so you don’t often hear about brawls and throwdowns happening there.

(We will set aside the recent Phumzile van Damme incident, because V&A Waterfront management and van Damme have buried the hatchet.)

The latest drama involves some pretty hectic accusations aimed at the Life Grand Cafe (not to be confused with the Grand Cafe in Granger Bay).

Mamela Billie was in the bathroom when she heard something happening in the restaurant.

Her friend had become involved in some kind of altercation with a waitress.

She told News24 that she went to investigate and witnessed a confrontation between her friend and a staff member.

Billie said in the process of trying to establish what was going on, she was allegedly headbutted by a waiter.

She told News24 that her muscles felt stiff from the pushing and pulling during the confrontation.

“I am so traumatised. I have never been assaulted in my life,” said Billie.

She added that she considered her friend’s issue a separate matter, and still does not completely understand what led to the problem with her friend.

That’s Billie above with a swollen lip that she says is from the ‘headbutting’ incident.

The waiter who allegedly headbutted her has been suspended pending investigations into ” a series of events”, including the incident with Billie’s friend.

As for the friend, the restaurant has video footage that apparently doesn’t paint her in a good light.

The restaurant said it had video footage of “an unfortunate incident with a belligerent and disruptive customer who was making the experience of other patrons and staff unbearable”.

“We tried to placate the customer and resolve the situation but failed to do so.

“We are willing to put forth any required evidence, including surveillance footage, to corroborate our version of events and will be cooperating with the authorities with respect to the investigation as we do not support violence.”

Police spokesperson Siyabulela Malo said two cases of common assault have been registered.

“According to reports, two complainants were involved in an argument with two personnel of the restaurant. Circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated with no arrests made so far.”

Billie says that she and her friend filed independent charges against the restaurant.

Sounds like a rough night.

[source:news24]