Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Velani Ludidi
Published on 2024-02-23 13:06:59
The owners of Enyobeni Tavern have been fined R5,000 each or face 100 days in prison for selling liquor and colluding with employees to sell alcohol to underage individuals. The East London Magistrate, Kevin von Bratt, noted that the only credible testimony came from 17-year-old Sinemihlali Haka, leading to the conviction of tavern owners Vuyokazi and Siyakhangela Ndevu. The Eastern Cape Liquor Board brought charges after 21 young people tragically died at the Ndevu’s Scenery Park tavern, Enyobeni.
During the trial, the couple maintained their innocence and testified in their defense. Despite their plea, the prosecution successfully opposed their application for discharge under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. Senior State Prosecutor Thango Pangalela presented evidence from nine witnesses, including minors who survived the incident. Haka testified that the tavern’s security personnel and owners failed to verify his age before allowing him to drink on the premises.
In a separate incident, Siyakhangela Ndevu showed no remorse and refused to apologize to the parents of the deceased young people, comparing himself to Jesus dying for sins he did not commit. The tragic deaths occurred during a party celebrating the end of June exams, with victims ranging from 13 to 17 years old. Magistrate Von Bratt emphasized the seriousness of the offense and imposed a fine of R5,000 or 100 days in jail on each of the accused.
Following the sentencing, some parents expressed disappointment, feeling that the punishment was too lenient and akin to a mere slap on the wrist. Khululekile Ncandana, father of one of the victims, believed that a more severe sentence was warranted. The formal inquest into the incident is yet to begin at the Mdantsane Regional Court, where individuals accountable for the tragedy will be identified.
In conclusion, the Enyobeni Tavern case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of irresponsible alcohol consumption and underage drinking. While the owners have been held accountable, the grieving families continue to seek justice and closure for the loss of their loved ones. The community of Scenery Park remains vigilant, hoping for a safer environment and stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
