Mystery surrounds the death of 21 young people at Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, East London.
Suggestions were said that the deaths could have been a result of a stampede, caused by panic after an unknown substance was reportedly sprayed on patrons.
Police said they were alerted to the tragedy at the tavern in the early hours of Sunday morning.
At the time police were told “17 children” had lost their lives at the tavern. It was later confirmed that in fact 21 young people had perished in the tragedy.
“The circumstances around this incident are under investigation… at this stage, we can not speculate,” a senior police officer n the scene said.
The deceased were youths aged between 13 and 18 years old. Reports said their bodies had no obvious signs of injury.
After the tragedy access to the tavern was restricted because the area was cordoned off as a crime scene.
Concerned residents gathered outside the tavern, with some parents demanding to see the bodies.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said the pathologists had told him none of the the deaths were “natural”. He said toxicology tests would be carried out.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa – who is away in Germany attending the G7 Summit – has expressed his condolences and concern about the deaths.
“While the President awaits more information on the incident, his thoughts are with the families who have lost children as well as families who are awaiting confirmation of how their children may have been affected,” said the Presidency on Sunday.
“The President is, however, also concerned about the reported circumstances under which such young people were gathered at a venue which, on the face of it, should be off-limits to persons under the age of 18.
“The President expects the law to take its course following investigations into the tragedy.”
President Ramaphosa said: “This tragedy is made even more grave by its occurrence during Youth Month – a time during which we celebrate young people, advocate and advance opportunities for improved socio-economic conditions for the youth of our nation.
*The Number of deceased has since been revised again from 22 to 21.
