Another delay in Enyobeni tragedy case

THE case against Enyobeni tavern

owner was again postponed at the East London Magistrate’s Court yesterday for the State to furnish further details.

Enyobeni tavern owner Vuyokazi Ndevu and her husband, Siyakhangela Ndevu, who is the tavern’s manager, are facing a charge of contravening the Liquor Act.

They are both charged with two offences of selling or supplying intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18, and conniving with and permitting employees and agents to sell or deliver intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18.

The case follows the discovery of 21 bodies of teenagers, the youngest aged 13, at the Enyobeni tavern in Scenery Park, East London in June.

It was reported that bodies were found lying strewn across tables, chairs and on the floor at the tavern, with no signs of injuries.

The Eastern Cape Department of Health released the toxicology report into the deaths last month, finding that the victims suffocated due to overcrowding.

These are findings the families have since rejected, saying they will seek legal advice.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali yesterday said further charges may be added.

“Another leg of the case which relates to the release of the toxicology report concluded by health experts is still under investigation by the police. The NPA awaits the docket from the police, before deciding on possible further charges.

“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,” said Tyali.

Provincial head of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in the Eastern Cape Dr Eileen Carter previously said they were proceeding with the assessment of potential litigation against the relevant and responsible parties.

“We are investigating potential human rights abuses. We will now proceed to put our preliminary findings of our inspection to the Buffalo City Municipality,” Carter said.