Pixabay (stock image)
Another Eastern Cape tavern owner is in hot water and is expected to be arrested on Thursday following a deadly stampede at his Hofmeyr tavern on Christmas Day.
At least three people died in the stampede.
Eastern Cape Liquor Board Spokesperson, Mgwebi Msiya, says the tavern owner is also suspected of having sold alcohol to underage persons.
Two of the deceased are under the age of 18.
"We are very disappointed, particularly that amongst the deceased, two of them are minors," says Dr Msiya.
He said the Liquor Board was under the impression that after the Enyobeni Tavern disaster in East London, their liquor traders would be more careful.
In July, 21 teenagers died under mysterious circumstances at the Enyobeni Tavern.
"Should you be found selling alcohol to minors, your liquor outlet will immediately be closed down - just as we have done with the outlet in Hofmeyr. It is closed down." warned Dr Msiya.
He says preliminary reports show that the three patrons died in the Hofmeyr stampede while running away from what appears to have been a sprayed substance.
Dr Msiya also revealed that two people are already in police custody.
"We have taken very swift action. The manager and his assistant have already been arrested - they are currently in custody. On Wednesday, we opened a case against the registered owner of that liquor outlet, and today (Thursday), he is going to be arrested by the police."
