The inquest into the tragic deaths of 21 young people at the Enyobeni Tavern in East London continues to unravel a horrifying picture of the events that led to the devastating loss of life. As new details emerge, the families of the victims are grappling with a renewed wave of grief and frustration.
The inquest, which is being held to determine if anyone should be held criminally liable for the deaths, has revealed a series of contributing factors that paint a chilling picture of the night of the tragedy. The court has heard that a stampede, the use of pepper spray in a confined environment, and a delay in receiving first aid treatment all played a role in the deaths.
This week, the court heard evidence related to the death of Oyena Ngoloyi, one of the victims. The evidence revealed that Ngoloyi suffered injuries including a pale kidney, bleeding on the heart, swelling of the brain, and bleeding in the stomach. These injuries, coupled with the delay in receiving first aid, were found to be contributing factors in her death.
The court also heard evidence related to the death of Azizipho Zilindile, another victim. The evidence revealed that Zilindile died as a result of the stampede, the use of pepper spray in a confined environment, and a delay in receiving first aid.
The families of the victims have expressed their shock and dismay at the new revelations. Khululeile Ncandana, one of the parents, spoke of the renewed grief and frustration that he and other families are experiencing.
“However, we are happy that the inquest is going on … but hearing those new versions of what had happened at Enyobeni makes my body shiver.” Ncandana said. “We are hearing all these contributing factors of their deaths for the first time here in court. It will take time to heal, when my son died, I also died inside, I am a dead man walking now.”
The families had previously been told that their children had died of crush asphyxiation. However, the new evidence presented at the inquest has cast doubt on this initial explanation.
The families have also expressed frustration over the delays in the inquest, which was postponed yesterday due to a power outage. Ncandana said, “It is frustrating. It is unfortunate and beyond our control. Now we must be here again tomorrow, and it is quite difficult for some of us to come each day because most of us are not staying in Mdantsane and are unemployed.”
The families have been attending the inquest in large numbers, wearing white T-shirts bearing the faces of their loved ones. Their presence serves as a constant reminder of the devastating loss that they have suffered.
The inquest is expected to continue today, with the families hoping that the truth will finally be revealed and that those responsible for the tragedy will be held accountable.
