Enyobeni

The parents of the youngsters who died during the Enyobeni Tavern want access to the final postmortem report. Image: Twitter/ANCParliament

Enyobeni latest: Case set down for trial in April 2023

The case against owners of Enyobeni Tavern where 21 youngsters died Vuyokazi and Siyakwamukela Ndevu will sit for trial in April 2023.

Enyobeni

The parents of the youngsters who died during the Enyobeni Tavern want access to the final postmortem report. Image: Twitter/ANCParliament

The Enyobeni Tavern owners’ case has been postponed to 25 April 2023 for trial. 

The married couple, Vuyokazi Ndevu and Siyakwamkela Ndevu, briefly appeared in the East London Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 November.

ENYOBENI TAVERN MATTER POSTPONED FOR TRIAL 

The couple has been charged with two offences of selling or supplying intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 years, and responsibility for conniving with and permitting employees and agents to sell or deliver intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 years. They have pleaded not guilty to both charges. 

ALSO READ: Enyobeni latest: Families to receive report on cause of death

Enyobeni
The cause of death of the Enyobeni tavern teenage attendees found they died of suffocation. PHOTO: Twitter/@PresidencyZA

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), another leg of the case which relates to the death of 21 youngsters is still under investigation by the police, which is prosecutor guided.

NPA Eastern Cape spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali said they view that case in a very serious light and have assigned senior prosecutors to guide the investigations as mandated by the constitution, to ensure that the evidence needed to bring those criminally liable for the tragedy are prosecuted and face the full might of the law. 

Tyali said the families of the young children, some under-age, the affected community, and South Africans at large are anxious to see justice served for their children who died in such tragic circumstances. He added that the NPA is committed to a victim-centred approach that prioritises justice for crimes committed against the most vulnerable in society, especially women and children.

“The memorandum of demands from the concerned families has been accepted by the prosecution with the commitment that, as per the NPA mission, will be pursued without fear, favour or prejudice,” he said.

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