EFFORTPOST The Mystery of Enyobeni Tavern (21 children dead)

Introduction

Taverns are big business in South Africa. Also known as shebeens, they are places where people congregate in informal business settings to drink, smoke, listen to music, and meet ladies of the evening. Originally emerging during the apartheid era, these informal establishments provided a space for Black South Africans to socialize, often in defiance of oppressive laws that restricted their movement and gatherings.

Today, taverns are integral to township life, offering a place for relaxation, music, dance, and community engagement. They serve traditional South African beverages such as umqombothi (a type of traditional beer) and a variety of commercially produced alcoholic drinks. These venues often feature local music genres like kwaito and house, contributing significantly to the country's vibrant music scene.

It is not uncommon for taverns to technically be illegal and not have the proper alcohol permits in order. It's also not unheard of for taverns to serve underage patrons, especially females.

Enyobeni Tavern

Today, we'll be zoning in on a very specific tavern known as Enyobeni Tavern. It's located in Scenery Park, East London, Eastern Cape and it is two storeys high. It is in a residential area, which has caused many of the inhabitants to complain that the tavern is a nuisance that attracts noise, crime, and doesn't close at the appropriate hours. According to inhabitants, patrons of the shebeen come out and litter and urinate in lawns which one can imagine is a nuisance to deal with. They have reported the tavern to police multiple times but to no avail.

While we're criticizing the shebeen, it is worthwhile to bring up its construction. The original plan for the building was for it to be a single storey building. However, a second storey was added which the owners did not have permission to do. One of the problems with the second floor is that the patrons have a harder time exiting in the case of an emergency. This will become important later.

Kuzofiwa!

In June 2022, students were preparing for a pens-down party. This is an event traditionally held at the end of the exam period to celebrate. Youngsters from Scenery Park chose Enyobeni Tavern as their location of choice. After all, the place was known for serving minors. Enyobeni Tavern was more than happy to host the event. A Facebook post was made ending with the term "Kuzofiwa!" In slang, it means a great time will be had. However, the literal translation in isiZulu means "There will be death". Ominous.

26 June 2022

The event took place on the 26th of June 2022. The venue was packed to the rafters, alcohol was being served freely, and there was even food available. Then, disaster struck. The place was overpacked and there was patrons trying to force their way in. Inside, it was excessively packed and the security guard, had closed the door. Witnesses reported that the tavern was filled beyond capacity, with estimates of up to 400 people crammed into a space meant for far fewer. Children started saying they cannot breathe and they are dying, and some reported that someone sprayed something in the air, perhaps pepper spray.

This is how packed the tavern was:

Initially, it seems like what happened was a crowd crush causing the death of 21 children. However, things aren't so simple. It could not have been a crowd crush event because not everyone died at the event. Some fell ill after leaving the event and some who fainted on the way home. Thus, suspicions turned to something the children consumed. Samples from the bodies of the victims were taken to toxicology laboratories in Cape Town for analysis. A provincial safety officer said that since there were "no visible wounds", the cause of death was likely not a stampede.

It was found that the deceased had methanol in their bodies. This led to the suspicion that the alcohol may have been tampered with. However, a toxicology report stated that the methanol levels were not lethal. Alcohol poisoning was also ruled out. Next, heads turned to the supposed fumes in the building. As many of you know, South Africa suffers from load shedding. Hence, many businesses have generators to keep the power on when the electricity goes out. Enyobeni tavern was no different, and a generator was found inside. However, it was not adequately ventilated. So the deaths must be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning! Wrong! Although the bodies showed signs of chemical asphyxia, carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out.

So what caused the death of 21 children? We still have no answers. Post-mortem reports state the cause of death as suffocation but we have no idea whether this is physical or chemical suffocation. Parents reject this report because, as previously stated, some children only fell ill later which is not consistent with suffocation.

Enyobeni Tavern Owners and Victims

On the night of the disaster, the owner, Siyakhangela Ngevu, received a call stating there was a crisis. He rushed to the tavern but it was too late - the children were dead. A legal investigation was launched and it was found that the tavern was built illegally. The city has not received any land-use application, nor has it granted any departure for operating a tavern at the location. On 23 February 2024, the club's owners were ordered to pay a R5000 fine or serve 100 days imprisonment.

The owner suspects that he has been sabotaged and that the children were poisoned. He posits that he has enemies who wanted his successful business shut down.

The names of victims and their ages are as follows:

1 Lithemba Velaphi (20)

2 Mbulelo Rhangile (18)

3 Inathi Nkani (18)

4 Kungentando Nzima (18)

5 Ovayo Mateyise (17)

6 Bongolethu Ncandana (17)

7 Anathi Ngqoza (17)

8 Sinothando Mgangala (17)

9 Simamkele Sobetwa (17)

10 Aluncedo Monela (17)

11 Simele Bolsiki (17)

12 Esinako Sinarhana (17)

13 Oyena Ngoloyi (16)

14 Lungile Bekiso (16)

15 Asamkele Thukuthe (16)

16 Azizipho Zilindile (16)

17 Inamandla Wexu (16)

18 Lilitha Methuko (15)

19 Sisanda Mahlahlaka (15)

20 Sisekela Tshemese (14)

21 Thembinkosi Silwane (14)

So what caused the deaths of these younglings?!

Conclusion

It's joever. Another job rejection today. I've lost all hope and want to die to escape the blackness that is my life. I'm

-broke

-incel

-ugly

-5foot1

-too stupid to finish my English PhD

I can't tolerate this shit. I'm going to overdose when I pick up my next prescription. Frick I want to die.