Thulisile Mapongwana
The inquest into the deaths of 21 minors at Enyobeni Tavern continued this week in the Mdantsane Magistrates' Court, with witnesses detailing the chaos of that night in June 2022.
Testimonies highlighted security lapses, overcrowding, and a suffocating substance that sent patrons into a panic.
Tavern owners, Vuyokazi and Siyakhangela Ndevu, are persons of interest in the inquest, alongside their former bouncer, Thembisa Diko, who allegedly used pepper spray at some point during that fateful night.
Twenty-four-year-old Aphiwe Rhawutini told the court he arrived at Enyobeni around 11 PM when it was already packed.
He said despite bouncers at the door, he managed to sneak in two beers and partied inside.
Rhawutini said he later felt a sudden pang in his nostrils and struggled to breathe, comparing it to inhaling pepper spray.
The patron said he and many other frantic patrons escaped through a window when the exit was blocked by collapsing patrons and closed from the outside by what he assumed were the bouncers.
Rhawutini told the court he believes the mysterious substance played a major role in the chaos, which left 21 patrons deceased with foam leaking from their nostrils.
Meanwhile, SIyamamkela Rhuqnu testified on Wednesday that he was denied entry to the VIP section for not wearing the all-black theme, "but I still managed to sneak beers inside."
Led by evidence leader, Advocate Luvuyo Vena, Rhunqu admitted someone could have easily smuggled in a weapon based on how easily it had been to pass through the bouncers with alcohol.
Rhunqu said when the chaos erupted in the overcrowded tavern, he struggled to breathe, referring to the substance as a “spray gun or gas.” He said together with a group of patrons, they managed to escape by pushing the door open.
He said once outside, he walked a few meters towards his home but his body became weak and he was taken to Empilweni Community Clinic for treatment. He said bouncers did not assist as patrons fought to escape.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Zingce Sanarhana testified that she was 18 at the time and attended with her cousin Esinalo and friend Sisipho.
She said she had no issue getting into the VIP section, despite not being dressed according to the theme.
Sanarhana said moving between floors became difficult as the crowd grew. On her second trip downstairs to the bathroom, she got stuck on the staircase as people pushed in both directions.
"I went down to the bathroom and I got stuck on the staircase. While standing there, I saw someone closing the exit door as panic set in."
“People started panicking, and we started stomping on each other. There was barely any room to move or turn around,” she said.
The inquest did not proceed on Thursday due to the lack of an interpreter.
According to media reports, during the owner, Vuyokazi's testimony on Tuesday, she distanced herself from accountability, saying she does not know who should be held responsible.
The court is yet to hear testimony from the Department of Health, structural experts, and tavern manager, Siyakhangela, as the inquest continues to determine what led to the tragedy and who should be held accountable.
