The East London Regional Court has delivered its verdict in the case against Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, owners of the Enyobeni Tavern.
The couple has been found guilty of selling or supplying intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 years. The court concluded that the state had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, holding the Ndevus vicariously liable for the crime.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Three Tavern Customers Killed In Early Morning Robbery
Despite one of the owners not being present on the night of the incident and the other denying actively selling alcohol, the court found them responsible for the tragic events that took place on the night of 25-26 June 2022. On that fateful night, 21 young people lost their lives in the establishment.
During the trial, the couple pleaded not guilty and took the witness stand in their defence. However, after the state presented its evidence, the defence applied for a discharge, which was opposed by the prosecution and subsequently denied by the court.
The Senior State Prosecutor, Thango Pangalela, led the case against the Ndevus, presenting evidence from nine witnesses, including two minors who survived the incident. SPP Pangalela argued that Enyobeni Tavern had no age restrictions in place and that the owners failed to take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Eastern Cape Liquor Act.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mass Shooting At Tavern In Mpumalanga Leaves Two Dead And 14 Injured
Additional evidence was presented, including testimonies from a neighbour of the Ndevu couple, Eastern Cape Liquor Boards’ officials, and CCTV footage from the night of the incident. The case will reconvene on Friday, 23 February 2024, for arguments regarding the aggravation and mitigation of sentence.
Meanwhile, a separate formal inquest into the deaths of the 21 young people at Enyobeni Tavern is yet to commence at the Mdantsane Regional Court. The inquest will further investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
