KUGOMPO - More than four years after the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy claimed the lives of 21 teenagers, an inquest has delivered its findings on who may be held criminally liable.
The ruling brings the victims' families one step closer to accountability.
Autopsy reports found that the teenagers died from suffocation inside the packed tavern during a pens-down celebration.
More than 30 witnesses testified before the East London Regional Court in Mdantsane as the inquest sought to determine who should be held responsible for the children’s deaths.
The state argued that liquor authorities and the tavern’s management should share responsibility.
The owners -- Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu -- meanwhile, maintained that political interference had left them as the sole scapegoats.
26 June 2022
South Africans woke up to the devastating news that 21 teenagers had died at eNyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, East London.
The teenagers had gathered at the tavern to celebrate the end of the school term.
The venue was reportedly overcrowded. As panic spread and patrons attempted to leave, the teenagers suffocated, resulting in 21 deaths.
READ: 'We still don't know the cause of death' - Enyobeni tragedy family
A mass funeral was later held for the victims, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who pledged that those responsible would be held accountable.
February 2024
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board prosecuted the Ndevus for selling alcohol to minors.
The couple was convicted and sentenced to pay a R5,000 fine or serve 100 days in prison.
They opted to pay the fine, a sentence that drew criticism from some who argued it was too lenient.
June 2024
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released a scathing report detailing systemic failures by several authorities.
The report implicated the Eastern Cape Liquor Board for failing to ensure the tavern complied with the Liquor Act.
Police were also criticised after it emerged that complaints about the tavern had been lodged before the tragedy, but no effective action was taken against the establishment.
October 2025
The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality came under scrutiny for allegedly failing to enforce municipal bylaws, allowing establishments such as eNyobeni Tavern to operate illegally.
Evidence presented during the inquest showed that building plans for parts of the tavern had never been approved.
The municipality said it had attempted to demolish the illegal structure. However, the building still stands.
May 2026
Final arguments were presented by legal representatives for the Ndevus and for Thembisa Diko.
Diko was accused of allegedly spraying pepper spray inside the tavern, which the state argued triggered the panic that ultimately led to the fatal suffocation.
The youngest victim was just 13 years old.
10 July 2026
The owners of the Enyobeni Tavern have been found to be liable for the 2022 tragedy which killed 21 teenagers.
As a result, Vuyokazi Ndevu and Siyakhangela Ndevu could find themselves being prosecuted.