The death toll increased to 21, after a critically-ill victim died in hospital – Photo: Twitter/Jurie Blignaut
The death toll increased to 21, after a critically-ill victim died in hospital – Photo: Twitter/Jurie Blignaut
The emotions will run high for a very long time in this part of East London. Over the weekend, 21 teenagers – aged between 13 and 17 – managed to gain entry to Enyobeni tavern for a late-night groove. Sadly, none of them would ever return home.
Enyobeni tavern closed down – as cause of deaths remain a mystery
The popular venue played host to a horrific scene in the early hours of Sunday. Bodies were scattered across the establishment, with very few signs of injury. The bizarre circumstances have left investigators stumped so far – but it’s hoped upcoming autopsy results will provide clarity.
In the meantime, the introspection has been laser-focused on the Enyobeni tavern, its owners, and the alleged breaches of alcohol licensing laws. On Monday, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board confirmed that the bar would be closed FOR GOOD, as the probe into these deaths continues.
Enyobeni accused of committing ‘major offences’
We are still none the wiser on what *exactly* caused these deaths. But a clearer picture is emerging in terms of the contributing factors. According to multiple alcohol trading authorities, Enyobeni’s owners are understood to be guilty of some MAJOR offences, which include the following:
- Allowing minors entry to the venue.
- Selling alcohol to those aged 18 or under.
- Contravening laws set down by the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, which prevent minors from consuming alcohol at these venue.
- Failing to stop people coming in once maximum occupancy had been reached.
- Staying open AFTER the prescribed closing time.
Owners adamant ‘they are not to blame’
All of these offences constitute a criminal act – and that means the owners of Enyobeni tavern are likely to be charged by police in the coming days. Vuyokazi Ndevu is one of the co-owners, alongside her husband. She is already trying to shift the blame elsewhere.
Ndevu spoke to the media on Monday. She was accused of victim-blaming, after suggesting that a group of teenagers – known to the establishment – ‘kicked down a door’ to force their way in. The co-owner said it was therefore ‘not right’ for her to take the blame:
“I can’t take blame for what happened at the establishment because I wasn’t there, but I’m sorry for what happened…I’m also a parent and I feel sorry for the parents who lost their children”
Vuyokazi Ndevu
