A school party in a popular South African nightclub turned into a mysterious and shocking tragedy as 21 teenagers, who were celebrating the end of the final exams, were found dead without any hint of gunshots or injuries.
Reports from Today stated that the victims were found slumped on chairs, lying on the table, or sprawled on the floor of the Enyobeni Tavern on the morning of Sunday, June 26. The investigators said there were no signs of a stampede despite earlier speculations. Thus, they are looking into a mass poisoning or toxic ingestion angle. The kids might have drunk or inhaled the toxic substance as hookah pipes were also recovered from the site.
Forensic samples of the 21 teenagers, the youngest was said to be just 13 years old, were already sent to a Cape Town laboratory, but Police Minister Bheki Cele expects the release of the results to take some time. The victims' parents, families, and friends were outside the site while the bodies were collected for further autopsy.
School Party Survivors Speak Up
According to SBS News, 17 victims died on the scene, while four were brought to the hospital but did not make it. At least 31 other victims were hospitalized and exhibited symptoms like vomiting, headache, tightness in the chest, and backache. Many of the hospitalized were also discharged Sunday.
Sinovuyo Monyane, a 19-year-old witness, said that patrons of the nightclub were trying to get out because they were "suffocating" and having difficulty breathing, but the doors were already filled with people. She recalled passing out after smelling a strong odor similar to a pepper spray.
When Monyane got up a few minutes later after someone poured water on her, she saw the rest of the bodies. Sifiso Promise Matinise, who works at the bar, told the police that he was one of those sprinkling water on the guests. He said many kids had been too drunk to realize what was happening.
Luhlemela Ulana, the club's resident DJ who was celebrating his birthday, confirmed that the crowd tried to push their way towards the exit and could no longer be managed by the bouncers.
South African President Issues Statement
Even South African politicians expressed their shock over the deaths. Elleck Nchabeleng, the chairman of the South African parliament's education and technology, sports, arts and culture, said they seldom experience a tragedy of this magnitude involving minors.
"This unfortunate and unprecedented incident underscores the importance of vigilance from parents," Nchabeleng said.
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa, who was in Germany for the G7 Summit, issued a statement to express condolences to the families of the 21 teenagers and to compound the importance of laying down the law and holding those responsible for the tragedy.
In South Africa, alcohol drinking is off-limits to kids under 18, but questions have abounded as to why underage drinkers were at the party. Following the tragedy, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board stripped the liquor license of Enyobeni Tavern. The owners could also be charged with criminal liability.
Many locals, especially the parents, want the venue shut down. Locals are aware that this bar has been serving alcohol to underage kids.
Related Article: Do's and Don'ts to Follow When Parents Catch Teens Drinking Alcohol
