Thulisile Mapongwana
The state closed its case on Thursday in the trial of East London’s Enyobeni Tavern couple, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, with the evidence of Captain Gerhard Swart, the last to be led by State Prosecutor, Advocate Tango Pangalele.
The court testimony from neighbours of the couple, eyewitnesses who were present at the establishment when the incident occurred, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board officials while CCTV footage from the establishment on the fateful night of 26 June 2022, was also presented by the State.
The Ndevu’s had pleaded not guilty to charges of selling alcohol to underage children in their tavern in Scenery Park.
The National Prosecuting Authority said the matter will resume on 24 October for the defence to present its case.
Earlier, two cashiers, Xoliswa Duma and Sivuyile Gqamlana, were charged with selling alcohol to underage patrons and paid an admission of guilt fine of R2 000 each.
The parents of some of the children who tragically died, said after proceedings on Thursday that they were eagerly awaiting to hear the defence’s case.
One parent, Khululekil Ncadana, said the Ndevu’s had shown “no remorse.”
Other parents demanded a second opinion on the toxicology report which they claim is being withheld by authorities.
Meanwhile, NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said that the inquest into the deaths of the 21 youngsters will resume on in the East London Regional Court on 31 August.
“The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, decided that an inquest be held by a Regional Court Magistrate, to establish if anyone can be held criminally liable, by commission or omission, for the deaths,” he said.
Tyali said more than 30 witnesses are expected to testify at the inquest.
