Former Enyobeni Tavern owners found liable in inquest into deaths of 21 teenagers

The East London Regional Court, sitting in Mdantsane, has found former Enyobeni Tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu liable in connection with the 2022 tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 young people at the popular Scenery Park venue.

The long-awaited judgment was delivered on Friday as the court concluded the inquest into one of South Africa’s deadliest tavern disasters. While the full ruling was still being handed down at the time of publication, the court found that the couple failed to comply with liquor legislation by allowing unlawful activities at the establishment.

The inquest was convened to determine whether any individual or institution could be held criminally liable for the deaths of the 21 victims, many of whom were under the legal drinking age. The tragedy unfolded during a packed “pens down” celebration at the Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, East London, in June 2022, sending shockwaves across the country.

During the proceedings, evidence leader Advocate Luvuyo Vena argued that responsibility extended beyond the tavern owners. He submitted that the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, police officers and other officials had also failed in their respective duties, contributing to the circumstances that led to the disaster. Lawyers representing the bereaved families similarly argued that accountability should be shared among all those who neglected their legal obligations.

The Ndevus had previously been convicted in 2024 for selling alcohol to minors in contravention of the Eastern Cape Liquor Act after the court found they were responsible for supplying liquor to underage patrons at the tavern.

The findings of the inquest are expected to provide crucial guidance on whether criminal prosecutions should follow against those found responsible for the events that led to the deaths of the 21 teenagers.

The court was continuing with the delivery of the full judgment on Friday afternoon, with further findings and recommendations expected to be released once proceedings conclude.