Enyobeni tragedy: Owners found liable four years after 21 deaths
The East London Regional Court in Mdantsane delivered judgment on Friday in the long-running inquest into the June 2022 tragedy.
The former owners of the Enyobeni Tavern in East London have been found liable for the tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 young people, with the court ruling that they failed to enforce liquor laws at the establishment.
The East London Regional Court in Mdantsane delivered judgment on Friday in the long-running inquest into the June 2022 tragedy, finding married couple Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu liable for the deaths after concluding they had failed to comply with the Eastern Cape’s liquor regulations.
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The judgment comes four years after 21 teenagers and young adults, aged between 13 and 21, died during a “pens down” celebration at the Enyobeni Tavern.
The youngest victim was just 13 years old.
The inquest heard months of evidence from survivors, forensic experts, investigators and tavern manager Siyakhangela, who consistently denied responsibility for the tragedy.
Evidence before the court included testimony from witness Lihlumelo Lulani, who said artists and DJs performing on the night were provided with free alcohol by the tavern owner.
A toxicology report compiled by the Eastern Cape Department of Health found that the 12 boys and nine girls died as a result of overcrowding.
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The couple were arrested in 2024 on charges relating to the Eastern Cape Liquor Act.
In October 2024, the East London High Court ordered Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu to demolish the Enyobeni Tavern building within 90 days at their own expense after finding it did not comply with legal requirements.
The court also prohibited the property from operating as a tavern unless it fully complies with all legal and regulatory conditions.
Following that ruling, the South African Human Rights Commission welcomed the demolition order, describing it as an important step towards protecting communities from unsafe establishments.
The Enyobeni tragedy sparked national outrage and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of liquor laws, particularly those aimed at preventing underage drinking and ensuring licensed premises comply with safety regulations.
