Gunman opens fire at wake venue for slain Coconut Cartel leader
A gunman has opened fire on a function centre in Sydney’s south-west.
The intended target was friends and family of slain Coconut Cartel leader Lorenzo Lemalu, who was killed in Vietnam two weeks ago.
The intended targets of a Punchbowl shooting were friends and family of slain underworld figure Lorenzo Lemalu. 9News
His wake was supposed to be inside the Diamond Venues Club in Punchbowl but was moved at the last minute.
No one was inside the venue at the time.
The gunman’s allegedly stolen SUV was found burnt out nearby on Gillian Place moments after.
Lemalu’s body had only just been flown back to Australia after allegedly being murdered by assassins in Ho Chi Minh City.
Lemalu and his crew had been at war with the Alameddine crime family in recent months, trading blows in numerous shootings and fire bombings.
Police only last week claimed to have smashed the cartel and locked up members.
“For a long time, we’ve been playing catch up,” NSW Police assistant commissioner Scott Cook said.
“For the first time we think we’re on par.”
It is understood the owner of the venue had told Lemalu’s family at about 11pm yesterday that they were not welcome, fearing that an incident would happen.
It is understood plans for the funeral have been moved to Lakemba Mosque tomorrow.
Police are aware of the plans and plan to be there.
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