Inquest says five may face charges in 2022 Enyobeni deaths

An inquest has found that five individuals may bear criminal responsibility for the deaths of 21 young people at the Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, East London, in June 2022. The ruling, delivered by Magistrate Mkhululi Lomalindi at the East London Regional Court in Mdantsane on Friday, July 10, 2026, concludes a nearly two-year judicial process and refers the matter to prosecutors for a final decision on charges.

The magistrate determined there is prima facie evidence that an act or omission by the five individuals contributed to the tragedy, which occurred on June 26, 2022. Those named are police Sergeant Thabile Kondile of the Scenery Park police station, tavern owner Vuyokazi Ndevu, tavern manager Siyakhangela Ndevu, bouncer Thembisa Diko, and Eastern Cape Liquor Board senior inspector Zuko Lizani. The finding is not a criminal conviction but a formal recommendation that the Director of Public Prosecutions consider laying charges.

The victims, 12 boys and nine girls aged between 13 and 21, died from crush asphyxia during a "pens down" party celebrating the end of school exams. A state forensic report attributed the deaths to extreme overcrowding and insufficient...