Enyobeni Tavern Owners Convicted of Selling Alcohol to Minors, SA Welcomes Verdict

• The owners of Enyobeni Tavern have been found guilty of selling alcohol to minors following the tragic death of 21 children at their establishment
• Despite pleading not guilty, the couple's defence was unsuccessful as the state proved its case beyond reasonable doubt
• SA citizens on social media expressed satisfaction with the verdict and many are looking forward to the sentencing

Tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu have been found guilty of selling and supplying alcohol to minors. The ruling comes after the tragic death of 21 young patrons in June 2022 at Enyobeni Tavern in East London.

Defence efforts in court fail

Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, the couple's defence was unsuccessful. According to SABCNews, the state presented compelling evidence, including testimony from two underage survivors of the incident.

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Following the closure of the state's case, the defence's application for discharge was opposed and denied, paving the way for a guilty verdict.

South Africans await sentencing

South Africans welcomed the judgement. Many hope that the court will impose a stiff sentence that will send a strong message against the illegal sale of alcohol to children under 18.

See some comments below:

@zsiyanda8 asked:

"Abazali bona balezingane benziwenjani?"

@msihlez123 posted:

"15 years in jail please."

@mponts7 wrote:

"Did they hope for something different?"

@XhosaFact said:

"What about culpable homicide?"

@africa_yearning stated:

"Very, very good, hope they rot in jail those two."

@Tebi_Mels tweeted:

"Congratulations to the state for proving their case beyond doubt."

Abraham Rawana asked:

"What's the maximum sentence for this offence, licence suspended?"

@VusumuziWaZweli noted:

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"In case we forget 21 children and young people between the ages of 13 and 21 died at Enyobeni Tavern in June 2022."

Video shows Enyobeni Tavern shortly before deaths

In a related article, Briefly News reported that a video captured shortly before the tragic death of 21 minors at Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park on Sunday, 26 June 2024, was shared on social media.

The clip shows scores of youngsters trying to enter the facility as well as many others partying up a storm inside the premises.

Source: Briefly News