The National Liquor Traders urge collaborative action for accountability and reform in the liquor industry following the Enyobeni Tavern inquest, emphasising the need for safer practices to prevent future tragedies.
The National Liquor Traders (NLT) has called for closer cooperation between the government, regulators, and the liquor industry following the Enyobeni Tavern inquest, saying accountability must extend beyond individual businesses if similar tragedies are to be prevented.
The call follows Friday's ruling by the Mdantsane Regional Court, which found there was prima facie evidence to prosecute tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, police sergeant Thabisa Kondile, former bouncer Thembisa Diko, and Eastern Cape Liquor Board inspector Zuko Lizani over the deaths of 21 young people at the Eastern Cape tavern in June 2022.
Responding to the judgment, the NLT extended its condolences to the victims' families, describing the tragedy as one that should never have occurred.
"Today's findings mark an important milestone in the pursuit of accountability. While the court found that there is prima facie evidence warranting further legal consideration, we recognise that the legal process is not yet complete and that all those implicated remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until the courts determine otherwise," the organisation said.
