22 Teenagers Found Dead in a Popular Nightclub in South Africa

On the morning of Sunday, June 26th, it was reported that 21 minors were found dead inside Enyobeni Tavern situated in Scenery Park in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

There was a large gathering at Enyobeni Tavern on Saturday, June 25th as many young people went out to celebrate their end-of-winter school exams and the lift of masks requirements.

Tembinkosi Kinana, a police spokesman, said “It attracted huge numbers — more than the tavern can accommodate.”

As the night progressed, the crowd increased in size and soon the tavern was over-crowded.

SABC, the local broadcaster, mentioned that the deaths were a result of a stampede although the official cause of death is currently unknown.

The South African police are still investigating this tragedy as many people are certain that it wasn’t due to a stampede but a mysterious incident as minors were found leaning or laying in odd positions over tables and chairs as though they collapsed.

Police minister Bheki Cele informed reporters that samples from the victims had been taken to toxicology labs in an effort to decipher the cause of death for the minors.

Siyanda Manana, a spokesperson of the Eastern Cape, has asked the families to help with identifying the deceased at the mortuary. He added, “We are going to immediately be embarking on autopsies so we can know the probable cause of death.”

The community wants this tavern closed down with immediate effect after the tragedy was reported. Lolly, a 17-year-old girl who resides near the tavern, said, “Everyone wants it closed down because they sell alcohol to underage children. Everyone is angry, everyone is sad because of what happened.”

More insight on death toll in South African Night Club…

Siyakhangela Ndevu, the tavern owner, is seeking answers to what transpired over the weekend and said, “As a business owner, I did not see such an incident coming but things like this do happen when no one is expecting them. But I do apologize, and we will look into this.”

The Eastern Cape provincial community and safety department said, “Parents whose children did not sleep [at] home are gathered here and they want to enter the tavern to look for their loved ones.”

Police minister Cele said, with tears in his eyes, that parents should be very attentive to their children’s habits and take responsibility.

He was previously notified about underage drinking in this tavern. He reiterated that the tests have been submitted to the toxicology laboratory in Cape Town to indicate whether the minors had been poisoned or ingested high levels of alcohol. There is also speculation of pepper spray or a gas leak having been the cause of the tragedy.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deepest condolences to the families and expressed that, ”This tragedy is made even more grave by its occurrence during Youth Month – a time during which we celebrate young people.”

Police Minister Cele has confirmed with the SABC that the youngest person who died at Enyobeni Tavern was 13 years old.

The investigation into the tragedy that happened at a local tavern in Scenery Park, East London, is ongoing.