The legal representative for families in the Enyobeni inquest has requested that the deaths of 21 young people be referred for criminal prosecution. Attorney Vuyisile Magqabi made the submission in closing remarks at the KuGompo City Regional Court in Mdantsane on May 18. He argued that tavern owners Siyakhagela and Vuyokazi Ndevu along with former bouncer Thembisa Diko failed to protect patrons.
Magqabi told the court that the owners did not ensure safety at their establishment in June 2022. He described claims by one owner that parents were responsible for the children as inhumane because the tavern had invited the young patrons to an event.
The attorney also pointed to failures by Buffalo City municipality, the police and the Eastern Cape liquor board in enforcing compliance. He said the owners locked the premises despite desperate pleas from patrons during a panic that led to suffocation with little ventilation or first aid.
The inquest at the Eastern Cape court is examining liability for the tragedy. Magqabi submitted that the matter should now proceed to criminal prosecution to address the wrongs committed.
