A large portion of the blame for the deaths of 21 young people at the Enyobeni Tavern should be placed on the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, the evidence leader in the inquest told the Mdantsane Regional Court this week.
Advocate Luvuyo Vena, delivering his closing arguments, said the Liquor Board, police, tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, and former bouncer Thembisa Diko all played a role in the events of 26 June 2022. The victims, who died at the packed Scenery Park tavern, were aged between 13 and 21.
Cause of death and outstanding questions
Pathologists later determined crush asphyxiation to be the cause of the deaths, prompting bereaved parents to ask why so many people, many of them visibly underage, had been allowed into the premises.
The inquest, which began in July 2024, is expected to determine whether anyone should face criminal prosecution. Siyakhangela Ndevu told the court he did not believe he could be held liable, arguing that responsibility lay with the children who forced their way in. Vuyokazi Ndevu said no witness had directly linked her actions to the deaths.
The court will determine whether prosecution should follow once closing arguments are concluded.
Sources:
Daily Dispatch
BBC
allAfrica
