The Enyobeni Tavern owners were handed a sentencing many would term a slap on the wrist, on Friday.
Enyobeni Tavern owners receive ‘slap-on-the-wrist’ sentence
The East London Regional Court handed down its sentence to Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, the owners of the Enyobeni Tavern, imposing a fine of R5 000 each or an alternative of 100 days in prison.
The couple was found guilty of supplying alcohol to minors, in a case that has drawn significant attention due to the tragic events of 25-26 June 2022.
Despite their defence and plea of not guilty, evidence presented by senior state prosecutor Thango Pangalela, including testimonies from nine witnesses and two survivors of the tragedy, solidified the court’s decision.
The Ndevus were deemed vicariously liable for their establishment’s failure to enforce age restrictions, contravening the Eastern Cape Liquor Act.
Enyobeni mass deaths investigation still unsolved
While the sentencing of the Ndevus marks a critical juncture in the aftermath of the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy, the investigation into the deaths of 21 young people remains unresolved.
The formal inquest, set to identify those criminally liable for the incident, is yet to commence at the Mdantsane Regional Court.
Almost two years later, speculation is still rife on the cause of the fatalities, ranging from a possible stampede to mass poisoning, with methanol posited as a potential culprit.
On the night of Sunday, 26 June 2022, the Enyobeni Tavern in East London became the scene of a devastating incident, with the bodies of at least 21 victims, mostly teenagers, discovered within the establishment.
The exact cause of the deaths remains a subject of intense speculation and investigation.
Initial theories have included a stampede and mass poisoning, with forensic investigations yet to provide definitive answers.
This tragic event has not only resulted in legal repercussions for the tavern owners but has also highlighted critical concerns regarding the enforcement of liquor laws and the safety of young patrons in nightlife settings.