Enyobeni tavern tragedy: Why the death toll could rise [Update]

With a nation still in shock about the mysterious deaths of 21 children at the Enyobeni tavern, the harsh reality is that the death toll could rise – here is why. 

HERE IS WHY THE DEATH TOLL COULD RISE IN THE ENYOBENI TAVERN TRAGEDY

According to a report by ENCA, four more people are reportedly in critical condition. 

The report furthermore stated that five bodies of the deceased children still have yet to be identified.

Premier Oscar Mabuyane said the provincial government is assisting families in identifying their loved ones.

FOUR MORE PEOPLE IN A CRITICAL CONDITION

This comes after the police confirmed that the death toll from the Enyobeni tavern has reached 21, and that the victims were all officially classed as ‘minors’ – aged 17 or under.

On Sunday morning, police found bodies strewn across the floor of Enyobeni. But none showed signs of physical injury. 

ALSO READ: Enyobeni Tavern owner to face criminal charges and have licence revoked

FIVE BODIES OF THE DECEASED CHILDREN STILL HAVE TO BE IDENTIFIED

One source has described the deceased as looking like they ‘dropped to the floor and died mid-conversation’. A lack of trauma to these bodies has ruled out any acts of violence.

The owner of the Enyobeni tavern in East London where 21 teenagers died over the weekend has apologised for the incident and said that he was investigating, along with the police.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board said the necessary steps are being taken to deal with Enyobeni Tavern, including the immediate revocation of the liquor license and laying criminal charges against the license holder. 

Meanwhile, The National Liquor Traders (NLTA) convener Lucky Ntimane reportedly said the blame lies with the owner of the establishment.

“This was a totally avoidable incident, and we clearly hold the tavern owner liable for whatever has happened there because everyone who goes into a tavern or place of enjoyment is at the hands of the person who owns that establishment. We’re sending our condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. These incidents happen way after the closing hours of such a tavern, also that there were underage children in that establishment, this should never have happened. This tavern should be closed.”

Lucky Ntimane

LIQUOR LICENSE OF TAVERN OWNER REVOKED

Police Minister Bheki Cele addressed parents outside the mortuary where the identification of the bodies took place.

At the same time, a maximum deployment of police resources has been deployed to find out exactly what happened.

By midday on Monday, we were still waiting for updates from autopsy results and investigators. 

ALSO READ: Enyobeni tavern deaths: All were minors, age of youngest victim confirmed