Enyobeni tavern owner and two others arrested

13 July 2022

The owner of Enyobeni tavern together with two employees were arrested over the weekend and on Tuesday 12 July 2022 respectively by a team of detectives working on Scenery Park incident during which 21 children died in the early hours of Sunday 26 June 2022 in East London.

The arrest of the 52-year-old suspect and two employees aged 33 and 34, follows after the Eastern Cape Liquor Board laid charges in Scenery Park Police Station for contravention of the Liquor Act. After the opening of the case by the Liquor Board, the investigators embarked on the investigation process which resulted to fines amounting to R2 000-00 being issued to each of the two tavern employees, whilst summons were served to the owner for his immediate arrest and appearance in the court of law.

Among others, the investigation also focused on alleged violation or contravention of the Eastern Cape Liquor Act by permitting or conniving for the selling or supplying of alcohol to children under the age of 18 and for selling or supplying alcohol to children under the age of 18.

The tavern owner is expected to appear in the East London Magistrate court on the 19 August 2022 to face the said charges. The two employees have been given an option of a fine in terms of the Liquor Act. Should they fail to pay the fine, they will be required to appear in the same court on the 19 August 2022.

SAPS management has reaffirmed its commitment in ensuring that all the investigations around the Scenery Park tragic incident are conducted in a more professional and well-organized manner for a successful prosecution and subsequent conviction in the court of law.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has appreciated the work of the investigators thus far, and further expressed gratitude at the patience shown by both affected families and communities alike. “Just as we said in the beginning, investigation is a process and needs to be treated with extreme care and wisdom so that we can achieve the desired outcomes which all of us will be proud of. This is the beginning of the great work we are doing behind the scene”, Lt Gen Mene said.

Forensic investigation into the cause of death of the 21 children in Enyobeni tavern, is still ongoing. 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.

Issued by Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, SAPS, 13 July 2022