More than 20 people died due to mysterious reasons in a nightclub and bar in the southern coastal town of East London on Sunday, 26 June.
Police officials in South Africa are investigating to find the cause of death of these people in the nightclub.
Officials stated that the total number of people who died in this incident was 22, and the cause of the tragedy is yet to be found, which happened during the end-of-school-year celebrations for teenagers. Residents reported the incident around 4 am on Sunday.
The police minister, Bheki Cele, attempted to calm a furious crowd of families and residents at the sealed-off crime location at Enyobeni Tavern around a poor neighbourhood called Scenery Park.
He said, “Initially, we were told that this was a stampede, but by looking at the site, we can say that no stampede took place.
“I don’t want to assume the cause of death; that’s why we brought the top forensic team so that if the reason of death were some poison, they would let us know.”
According to officials, toxicology tests will also be conducted to determine if the teenagers were poisoned.
As per the reports, the bodies were lying bizarrely as if they collapsed on the floor while dancing, while a few were lying over the tables and slumped across chairs.
The bodies had no visible signs of injuries, said the officials.
Autopsies are expected to provide a clear view of what happened in the club, which is said to be a popular hangout spot among teenagers, but resident wants it to be shut down now as it sells alcohol to underage children.
All deceased were said to be under 18; the youngest was 13 years old.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa gave his sincere condolences to families and stated he was tense about the situation in which young people under 18 years were allowed to attend the tavern. Ramaphosa noted that the law must take its course once investigations conclude.
