The Enyobeni Tavern owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, have been fined for their legal liability in selling alcohol to a minor following the events of June 2022.
Despite not personally selling alcohol, the court held them responsible for the lack of proper access controls, emphasising the need for stringent compliance with liquor regulations.
What happened to Enyobeni tavern owners?
Following the tragic events of June 2022 at the Enyobeni Tavern, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, the tavern’s proprietors were sentenced. They were ordered to pay fines of R5,000 each or face 100 days’ imprisonment.
The judgment, handed down by Magistrate Kevin von Bratt, was a move towards justice but the lives lost cannot be replaced.
Couple contributed to Enyobeni Tarven tragedy
As the trial of Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu reached its climax. The two were found guilty of selling alcohol to minors, and the couple was forced to come face to face with their responsibility.
The courtroom saga unfolded with testimonies that painted a grim picture of lax oversight and disregard for liquor laws at the Tavern. Despite the couple’s claims of instructing their employees against selling alcohol to minors, the judge emphasised that mere directives were insufficient in ensuring compliance. Read a post by the NPA:
Who are the minors who died at Enyobeni Tavern?
The crux of the matter revolved around the sale of alcohol to Sinemihlali Haka, a minor at the time of the incident. The Ndevus were not directly implicated in the sale of alcohol to minors. However, the court deemed them responsible for the lack of proper access controls and for exposing young patrons to potential harm.
How bad is teenage drinking in South Africa?
The tragic truth is that underage drinking is prevalent in South Africa. 50% of teenagers consume alcohol, according to Aware.org as reported by Law for All. Studies by the organisation reveal that individuals who start drinking under the age of 18 (which is illegal), are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking after the age of 20.
People on X thought the court was lenient in the Enyobeni case. Netizens complained that the tavern owners should have gotten a heavier sentence for selling to minors. Read the tweets below:
@AJ_legendSA said:
“This can’t be real #Enyobeni.”
@SithaleKgaogelo wrote:
“Enyobeni Tavern owners only pay R5000 each or spend 100 days in prison for so many bodies?? Crazy justice system.”
@Inenekazi1
“The NPA failed the Enyobeni Tavern victims and their families.”
“What an absolute mockery of justice. 21 children die and nobody faces any real consequences. R5000 fine. That’s R238,10 for every dead child.”
The factors contributing to teenage drinking include rebellion, peer pressure, socioeconomic uncertainties, and mental health issues. A guide by the Government and South African Breweries found that only half of South African youths live in two-parent households. 25% to 35% face unemployment, and teenagers deal with an uncertain future. leading some to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Additionally, depression and anxiety among teenagers further exacerbate the issue, with alcohol often serving as a form of escapism from their challenging reality.
If you require further assistance, you can contact the following organizations:
• Alcoholics Anonymous SA National Helpline: (0861 435 722)
• Narconon South Africa: (011 622-3998)
• Alateen General Service Number: (021 595-4508)
• LifeLine: (0861 322 322)