Cape Town - The owner of Enyobeni Tavern where 21 young people died in Scenery Park, East London, has been arrested along with two of his employees.
Police spokesperson Tembinkosi Kinana said the arrests came after the Eastern Cape Liquor Board laid charges against the owner for contravention of the Liquor Act.
“The arrest of the 52 year old suspect and two employees aged between 33 and 34 follows after the Eastern Cape Liquor Board laid charges in Scenery Park police station for contravention of the Liquor Act. After the opening of the case by the Liquor Board, the investigators embarked on the investigation process which resulted in fines to the amount of R2 000 being issued to each of the two tavern employees, while summons were served to the owner for his immediate arrest and appearance in the court of law.
“The investigation also focussed on alleged violation or contravention of the Eastern Cape Liquor Act by permitting or conniving for the selling or supplying of alcohol to children under the age of 18 years, and for selling or supplying of alcohol to children under the age of 18 years,” he said.
Kinana said forensic investigation into the cause of death of the 21 children in Enyobeni Tavern was still ongoing.
ANC Youth League regional treasurer and Scenery Park resident Aseza Somagaca said they welcome the arrest, adding that they hoped more charges would follow.
“The arrest is obviously welcomed, even though it’s only that of contravening the Liquor Act and not of culpable homicide, which I hope will then follow swiftly. I must say the pace of getting the autopsy results finalised is seriously concerning, as the families even after the funerals are still in the dark as to what caused the death of their loved ones,” he said.
The arrests come a week after the burial of the tavern victims.
This is a developing story.
Cape Times