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The owner of Enyobeni Tavern, Siyakhangela Ndevu (52), and two of his employees have been arrested.
The arrest of the trio on Tuesday came after the Eastern Cape Liquor Board laid charges at the Scenery Park Police Station following the death of 21 children at the tavern on June 26.
The investigation led to two tavern employees being fined R2 000 each.
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A summons was served to the owner for his immediate arrest and appearance in court.
Among others, according to police spokesperson Tembinkosi Kinana, the investigation also focussed on the alleged violation or contravention of the Eastern Cape Liquor Act of 2003 by permitting or conniving in the selling or supplying of alcohol to children under the age of 18.
The tavern owner was issued a summons to appear in the East London Magistrates’ Court on August 19 2022.
The two employees have been given an option of a fine in terms of the Liquor Act.
Kinana said:
Police management has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all the investigations around the tavern tragedy are conducted in a professional and well-organised manner for a successful prosecution and subsequent conviction.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has appreciated the work of the investigators and expressed gratitude for the patience shown by both affected families and communities.
“Just as we said in the beginning, an investigation is a process, which needs to be treated with extreme care and wisdom so that we can achieve the desired outcomes that we can all be proud of. This is the beginning of the great work we are doing behind the scenes.”
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The forensic investigation into the cause of death of the 21 children at the Enyobeni tavern is under way.
“As indicated earlier, at an appropriate time and conclusion of the investigation, the results will be made available to the affected families. There are no new developments at this stage,” said Kinana.
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