In the early hours of Sunday morning, East London awoke to the shocking news that a large group of youths had died at Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park during a “pens down” party.
Police minister Bheki Cele, who broke down in tears while addressing residents and bereaved parents, appointed a high-powered investigation team to investigate the deaths of the 21. Political leaders from all levels, from ward councillors to the premier and the president, expressed their shock at the devastating event.
Five of the victims remain unidentified and another four are still fighting for their lives in hospital.
While a stampede was ruled out as the cause of death, provincial safety spokesperson Unathi Binqose said forensic pathologists suspected “something had been consumed or inhaled”, such as food, drink or something smoked in a hookah pipe.
Binqose said blood and tissue samples had been sent for testing, which could reveal the cause of death.
CCTV footage from cameras in the vicinity would help with piecing together events that led to the tragedy, he added.
On Monday afternoon, parents and concerned community members met with members of the clergy, community leaders and both mayor Xola Pakati and deputy mayor Princess Faku at St Peters Methodist Church in Scenery Park.
Throughout Sunday, reports flowed in and official numbers fluctuated, but the death toll was finally confirmed at 21. The victims are aged between 13 and 17 — nine girls and 12 boys.
Both the tavern and Eastern Cape Liquor Board have come under fire over serving alcohol to underage patrons, with the liquor board announcing it would immediately suspend the operating licence of the tavern.
Earlier this month, the Daily Dispatch reported that the liquor board did not have a demographic profile of the traders it had issued liquor licences to, and had weak compliance and enforcement systems to monitor those who violated liquor trading regulations.
The board also awarded new licences to establishments trading near churches and schools because it lacked in-loco inspections, which are crucial before a licence can be awarded.
These were the findings contained in a report presented by the portfolio committee on economic development to the Bhisho legislature.
Survivors and witnesses have painted a picture of an overcrowded venue, with several accounts detailing how the children struggled to breathe before collapsing in front of them.
The government has promised a rapid turnaround of test results to ensure that justice is served.
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