The SAHRC says accountability for the deaths of 21 young people at Enyobeni Tavern must extend beyond individuals, urging government to advance stalled alcohol legislation reforms.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called for urgent reform of South Africa’s alcohol laws after welcoming the Mdantsane Regional Court’s findings into the deaths of 21 young people at Enyobeni Tavern in June 2022.
The Commission said the ruling represented an important step towards accountability and providing the bereaved families, and the broader community with answers about the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
The court found that the deaths were brought about by acts or omissions involving or amounting to an offence on the part of Sergeant Thabisa Kondile of the South African Police Service, tavern owner Vuyokazi Ndevu, Siybulela Ndevu, Thembisa Diko and Eastern Cape Liquor Board inspector Zuko Lizani.
The Commission noted that the court had directed that the record of the proceedings be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions once the complete transcript had been prepared.
