Enyobeni tavern owner back on stand as inquest seeks to determine liability for tragedy
An inquest into the Enyobeni tavern tragedy is still underway nearly four years after 21 young people died at the East London venue.
The Enyobeni tavern in Scenery Park, East London where 21 people died during an event on 25 June 2022. Picture: Nhlanhla Mabaso/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - An inquest into the Enyobeni tavern tragedy is still underway nearly four years after 21 young people died at the East London venue.
The magistrate’s inquest, which began in late 2022, is being heard in Mdantsane trying to determine who, if anyone, should be held criminally liable for the deaths.
The tavern owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, were already convicted of selling alcohol to minors and fined R5,000 each, but the inquest seeks to uncover the full circumstances that led to the teenagers’ deaths.
READ: EC Liquor Board wants harsh prison sentence for Enyobeni tavern owners
In October last year, the East London High Court ordered the demolition of the illegally‑built Enyobeni Tavern and banned it from operating again.
The inquest has revealed a troubling mix of contradictory evidence, possible chemical exposure, illegal licensing, blocked exits and regulatory failures.
The proceedings resumed in April and again in June, with a focus on owner, Siyakhangela Ndevu, who insists he is not to blame.
Witnesses, including survivors, former employees and regulators, have given harrowing testimony.
In April, survivor Ovayo Mkhonkqo, who was just 16 at the time, contradicted the owner’s version, detailing overcrowding and suffocating conditions.
On Thursday, Ndevu is back on the stand for a third straight day, as the court tries to establish whether he, his partner, or their staff can be held responsible for the deaths.