The Enyobeni tavern trial continued in the magistrate’s court in East London on Thursday where the last state witness, police detective Captain Gerhard Swart, took the stand.
Tavern owners Siyakhangela Ndevu and his wife Vuyokazi are charged with selling or supplying liquor to persons under 18 years, and conniving with and permitting staff and agents to sell or deliver liquor to persons under 18 years.
The couple has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Twenty-one patrons, mostly under-age children, died at Enyobeni in Scenery Park in East London in June 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the accused will be back in court on October 24. The inquest into the deaths of teenagers resumes on Thursday next week.
Among evidence led in court was from a neighbour of the Ndevus, eyewitnesses who were present when the incident occurred, Eastern Cape Liquor Board officials, and CCTV footage taken from the tavern on the fateful night of June 26 2022.
“About the main case of the deaths of 21 young people in the Enyobeni tavern, an inquest will resume in the East London regional court on August 31 2023,” said NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.
“More than 30 witnesses including experts and eyewitnesses are expected to give evidence. At this moment, it is unclear what caused the incident.
“The matter is referred for a formal inquest, which is inquisitorial in nature, and will assist the state to establish the cause of death in order to reach the appropriate legal conclusion.”
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