The trial of Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, the owners of Enyobeni Tavern, has taken a significant turn as the state has closed its case in the East London Regional Court.
State rests its case in Enyobeni tavern tragedy
This development marks a crucial phase in the legal proceedings surrounding the tragic incident that occurred on 26 June 2022.
As reported by Citizen, police detective Captain Gerhard Swart was the final witness to take the stand during the trial, providing testimony led by senior state prosecutor Advocate Tango Pangalele.
The court proceedings included accounts from neighbours, eyewitnesses present at the establishment on the fateful night, and officials from the Eastern Cape Liquor Board.
The presentation of CCTV footage from the incident also formed a part of the state’s case.
Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, who operate Enyobeni Tavern, pleaded not guilty to charges related to selling or supplying alcohol to individuals under the age of 18.
The charges also encompassed allegations of conniving with and permitting employees and agents to engage in such activities.
Here’s when tavern couple will launch its defence
The defence is scheduled to present its case when the trial resumes on 24 October. Families of the children who tragically lost their lives during the incident are eagerly anticipating the defence’s presentation.
This phase of the trial will shed further light on the situation and provide insights from the perspective of the accused.
In addition to the trial, an inquest is set to resume in the East London Regional Court on 31 August 2023.
This inquest is instigated by the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo.
The purpose of the inquest is to ascertain whether any individual can be held criminally liable, either through commission or omission, for the deaths that occurred.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, highlighted that the state’s decision to not prosecute the tavern owners for the deaths of 21 teenagers, at this juncture, is due to the uncertainty surrounding the incident’s cause.
“The matter is referred for formal inquest, which is inquisitorial in nature, and will assist the state to establish the cause of death in order to reach the appropriate legal conclusion,” Tiyali said.
The Enyobeni tavern tragedy unfolded on 26 June 2022 during a “pens down” celebration following mid-year exams.
The disaster claimed the lives of 21 teenagers, comprising nine girls and twelve boys aged between 13 and 17. The incident occurred in Scenery Park, East London, and to this day, no one knows for certain what caused the mass deaths.