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FILE | Crowd gathers as forensic personnel investigate after the deaths of patrons inside the Enyobeni Tavern.
The Enyobeni Tavern Inquest resumes in the East London Regional Court sitting in Mdantsane.
Previously, video footage placing the manager of the tavern, Siyakhangela Ndevu, at the establishment when 21 patrons died in June 2022, was viewed by the court.
The video shows Ndevu in the bar area selling alcohol to patrons on numerous occasions.
It also depicts more patrons coughing and covering their mouths and noses.
More witnesses are expected to take the stand today.
Owner denies responsibility
In her last court appearance at the beginning of the month, tavern owner Vuyokazi Ndevu told the court that she does not know who should be held responsible for their deaths.
Ndevu has been accused of failing to ensure the safety of patrons during the event that was planned on the day of the tragedy.
The evidence leader in the inquest, Advocate Luvuyo Vena, accused the owners of being profit-driven as they failed to apply for a special permit to host a function which would have stated how many people would have been allowed inside the establishment.
Liquor licence invalid after upgrades
Meanwhile, in November last year, a senior official in the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, Phumlani Tyali, told the court that the liquor licence of the Enyobeni Tavern became invalid when its owners made upgrades to its structure.
Tyali is responsible for the registration and issuing of licences at the establishment.
He further told the court that the owners should be held accountable for the incident that led to the deaths of the 21 young people, since they are holders and managers of the licence.
