Overview
- The East London Regional Court, on Friday, found former owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi legally liable for the 2022 deaths after ruling they failed to enforce liquor laws at Enyobeni Tavern.
- Magistrate Mkhululi Lomalindi attributed gross negligence to Sergeant Thabisa Kondile of the SAPS for failing to follow up on complaints about the tavern before the tragedy.
- An Eastern Cape Department of Health toxicology report and inquest testimony concluded the 21 victims, aged 13 to 21, died from crush asphyxia caused by severe overcrowding.
- The inquest record will be handed to the National Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration of criminal charges against five people named as possibly responsible, including the owners, the police sergeant, a bouncer and an Eastern Cape Liquor Board inspector.
- Families welcomed the findings and urged harsher penalties, while the decision could prompt prosecutions and wider reforms after earlier court orders to demolish the tavern and an SAHRC report that criticised police, the liquor board and municipal oversight.