The owner of Enyobeni Tavern and two employees were arrested at the weekend and yesterday afternoon July 12, respectively, by a team of detectives working on the Scenery Park incident that claimed the lives of 21 young people on June 26 in East London.
The arrest of the 52-year-old suspect and two employees aged between 33 and 34 years, comes after the Eastern Cape Liquor Board laid charges at the Scenery Park Police Station for the contravention of the Liquor Act. Following the opening of the case by the Liquor Board, the investigators embarked on the investigation process, which resulted in fines to the amount of R2000 being issued to each of the two tavern employees, whilst a summons was served to the owner for his immediate arrest and appearance in court.
Among others, the investigation also focused on the 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 years and for selling or supplying alcohol to children under the age of 18 years.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Brig. Tembinkosi Kinana, the tavern owner is expected in the East London Magistrates Court on August 19, 2022 to face 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 August 19,” Kinana said. “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 organised manner for a successful prosecution and subsequent conviction in the court of law,” he added.
Provincial Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Nomthetheleli Mene, has applauded 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,” Mene said.
“Forensic investigation into the cause of death of the 21 young people at the 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.”
