The legal representative for families affected by the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy has called for criminal prosecution against the tavern owners and a former bouncer following the deaths of 21 young people at the establishment in June 2022.
Attorney Vuyisile Magqabi made the submission during closing arguments at the KuGompo City Regional Court sitting in Mdantsane. The inquest is examining who should be held accountable for the tragedy at the popular East London tavern.
Magqabi argued that tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, together with former bouncer Thembisa Diko, should face criminal charges in order to “correct the wrong” suffered by the victims and their families.
According to Magqabi, the tavern owners failed in their legal and moral duty to ensure the safety of young patrons attending the venue.
He also criticised comments allegedly made by Ndevu during the proceedings, in which the tavern owner suggested that parents were responsible for the safety of their children.
Magqabi described the remarks as inhumane, arguing that the tavern owners had actively promoted and hosted the event that attracted the young crowd.
“The owners and operators of the tavern did not unlock the premises, despite patrons desperately begging to be released amid the pandemonium. The patrons were reportedly suffering from suffocation due to little or no ventilation, while no meaningful first aid or other emergency assistance was provided,” Magqabi argued during the proceedings.
He further contended that several authorities, including the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, the South African Police Service and the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, failed to properly enforce safety and liquor regulations at the tavern.
Image Credits :
Reuters
