An advocate has argued that the Eastern Cape Liquor Board and the owners of Enyobeni Tavern should face criminal charges over the deaths of 21 young people in Scenery Park. The call came during closing arguments in an inquest at the Regional Court in Mdantsane. The inquest was postponed to 10 July for a ruling.
Advocate Luvuyo Vena, the evidence leader, told the court that the liquor board licensed the tavern despite clear failures to meet structural and safety rules. He described the approval as an act of financial gain rather than regulatory compliance and said both the board and tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu should be held responsible.
The owners rejected the claim. Vuyokazi Ndevu said she was not at the tavern on the night in question, while Siyakhangela Ndevu argued that parents also bore responsibility because the young people had not been invited.
A lawyer for former employee Thembisa Diko told the court there was no evidence linking pepper spray discharged by his client to the deaths. He said Diko had warned the owners about overcrowding and should be cleared.
Parents of the victims said they hope the inquest findings will lead to criminal prosecution of anyone found liable.
