By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Police Service (SAPS) have confirmed the arrest of the owner of the Enyobeni tavern and two employees in East London where 21 teenagers died last month.
SAPS Eastern Cape spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said the 52-year-old owner and staff, aged 33 and 34, were arrested at the weekend
This comes after the Eastern Cape Liquor Board laid charges for contravention of the Liquor Act. The police are investigating the alleged violation or contravention of the act for the selling or supplying of alcohol to children under the age of 18 years.”
The owner is expected to appear in the East London magistrate’s court on August 19 in connection with these charges.
Two employees have been given an option of a fine in terms of the act. Should they fail to pay, they will be required to appear in the same court.
The SAPS management reaffirmed in the statement its commitment in ensuring that all the investigations around the Scenery Park incident are conducted in a professional and well-organised manner to ensure the successful prosecution and subsequent conviction in the court of law.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, expressed her appreciation for the work of the investigators.
She 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.
The forensic investigation into the cause of death is ongoing.