▶️ The original post first appeared at Elitsha
Chwayita Dinginto reports that the investigation into the deaths of 21 young people at Enyobeni Tavern has been delayed to August 12-23. The purpose is to find out if anyone is criminally responsible. Four witnesses were called, including police officer Wandile Mzinjana and 25-year-old Esona Bobani. Bobani tried to save a girl, later identified as Kungentando Nzima, who was dead when they arrived at the clinic.
Retired officer Mxolisi Mqotyana testified that he found 15 bodies at the scene, all with foam in their noses but no visible injuries. He secured the scene and collected evidence, such as alcohol and food. Mqotyana also helped a young woman from the community who later died from stomach and leg pains.
The victims’ parents rejected the health department’s report, which said suffocation was the cause of death. An initial report found methanol, a toxic chemical, in the blood of all 21 children, but the full report has not been released.
Mqotyana’s investigation blamed the manager, owner, and bouncer for the tragedy. However, the tavern’s manager, Siyakhangela Owen Ndevu, denied being there that night and criticized the investigation. He admitted to selling alcohol to minors but argued it wasn’t proven they drank it at his tavern.
