Jena-Göschwitz, 02.03.2026. On the Saale in the southern city area, a conflict between a water sports enthusiast and an angler escalated on Monday. The incident culminated in an attack with a slingshot on the water.
- Location: Jena-Göschwitz, mooring point on the Saale
- Time: Monday, March 02, 2026
- Parties involved: A 45-year-old canoeist and an angler
- Incident: Dispute over a mooring spot ends with targeted fire using steel balls.
Water sports enthusiast intended to moor
As reported by the police, the 45-year-old canoeist was traveling on the Saale and intended to moor his boat at a designated landing stage in the district of Göschwitz. However, this plan met with the resentment of an angler located there. The trigger was apparently the conflicting claim to the space on the riverbank.
The initial verbal dispute quickly developed into a dangerous escalation: the angler reached for a so-called “Zwille” (slingshot) and fired targeted steel balls at the canoeist. The police have immediately launched an investigation into the incident. Whether the 45-year-old sustained injuries during the attack was not yet specified in the initial reports.
Background: Water sports and fishing on the Saale
The Saale around Jena, especially the area around the weir in Göschwitz, is a heavily frequented and popular area. So-called “water hiking” attracts many excursionists every year, which is why the city has established and signposted several entry and exit points as well as portage points at weirs in the past. At the same time, local fishing clubs and hobby anglers value the quiet bank zones.
Legal classification: Firing steel balls at a person from a slingshot is not a trivial offense, but generally constitutes the criminal offense of dangerous bodily harm. Although commercially available slingshots without forearm supports can be legally purchased in Germany, their use as a weapon against humans entails far-reaching criminal consequences. Police and public order offices regularly appeal for mutual consideration from all parties involved in such local recreation areas.
Source:
Saale in Jena: Angler fires steel balls at canoeist
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.