South Africans desperately want answers as to how 21 teenagers – the youngest just 13 years old – were tragically found dead at the Enyobeni Tavern in East London in the early hours on Sunday morning.
Many questions remain unanswered, why were there so many minors allowed into a tavern where alcohol was being consumed, why was the popular night spot so overcrowded, and what exactly caused the chilling deaths of so many?
Community youth leader Langa Miya says it’s not good enough that there are so many unanswered questions. “What we want as young people is the truth. We want to know what exactly happened to the deceased, and the owner must be arrested for what happened at his tavern. How can he allow teenagers to enter the tavern?”.
At first glance, it was reported that many believed the victims had been poisoned since there were no obvious injuries on the bodies of the deceased. But authotiries are still investigating the cause of death with forensic pathologists unable to confirm the cause of death at this stage.
Nomusa Cembi, a spokesman for the South African Democratic Teachers Union, said the “incident is a sad reminder of the appalling conditions our young people live under”.
While Suthentira Govender writes that the lack of recreational activities for the youth have led to underage drinking and “tavern-prowling”.
While we wait for the story to develop, here are the latest articles covering the tragic deaths.
Protesters demand the arrest of the owner of East London’s Enyobeni ‘death tavern’ – Daily Maverick
A locked door, hysteria and dead bodies: Teen describes horror as soccer mates died at Enyobeni Tavern – News24 (for subscribers)
Enyobeni tavern tragedy: What we know so far – News24
Lack of township amenities forces youth to ‘tavern-prowl’, says Sadtu in wake of Enyobeni tragedy – News24
Allow Police to investigate Enyobenu tavern deaths – EWN
Enyobeni tavern deaths: Parly urges EC govt to act in finding those responsible – EWN
