At least 21 teenagers, with the youngest aged 13, died this past weekend after a night out at tavern called Enyobeni ended in tragedy where the cause of death is still not clear.
Forensic pathologists say initial results indicate that the 21 young people who died at Enyobeni this past weekend inhaled or digested something that led to their deaths. National crime scene experts have been sent to the Eastern Cape to help uncover the cause of death in the tragedy that has left the community reeling.
On Sunday morning, at about 04:00, the Scenery Park police station received reports of “lifeless bodies”, national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said.
“Upon arrival, police found 17 bodies inside the building. It was later established two more died at a local clinic, one died en route to the hospital, and another died in hospital,” she said.
Nine girls and twelve boys have been confirmed dead with the youngest victim aged 13. Police Minister Bheki Cele and national SAPS commissioner General Fannie Masemola went to visit the area on Sunday afternoon.
Addressing the crowd at Scenery Park, Cele pointed fingers at the owner of the tavern, questioning why there was only one exit point in the tavern. He asked why parents allowed their children to be out in the street late at night.
Oscar Mabuyabe, the premier of the Eastern Cape called for more community involvement to ensure that there is law and order. “We call on parents and legal guardians not to abdicate their responsibility to their children or minor children entrusted in their care,” Mabuyane said.
“We are saddened by the loss of young lives, future leaders of our country, future breadwinners for their families, and for all the investments made by their families in them, that now have evaporated in an instant.”
