The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has declined to bring the case to court as it is still unclear as to what caused the incident.

 

On 26 June 2022, 21 young people, all between the ages of 13 and 17, died at the tavern in Scenery Park, East London. Reports suggested that the deceased were celebrating the end of exams and the school term, more commonly known as the ‘pens down party’ in South Africa.

Enyobeni tavern, 21 youngsters die in tavern, Eastern Cape tavern tragedy, final postmortem report, Eastern Cape Department of Heatlh, Siyanda Manana, cause of death
Parents of the youngsters who died during the Enyobeni Tavern want access to the final postmortem report.

PARENTS OF THE DECEASED NOT HAPPY WITH CAUSE OF DEATH
The Department of Health had indicated that the children had died from suffocation due to overcrowding.

On 17 April 2023, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, decided that an inquest be held by a Regional Court Magistrate to establish if anyone can be held criminally liable, by commission or omission, for the deaths.

“The matter is referred for formal inquest, which is inquisitorial by nature, not accusatorial. Witnesses, including experts, eyewitnesses and the owners of Enyobeni Tavern, are expected to give evidence” says NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.