The families of 21 teenagers who died at a bar in South Africa in June have lodged a complaint with the country’s Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), calling for an independent inquiry into their deaths.The bodies of the teenagers, the youngest 13, were found by East London police.
After months of delays, officials in September said toxicology tests revealed that they died of suffocation but the families want further investigations conducted.The teenagers had gone to a popular township bar to celebrate the end of their exams when tragedy struck.
Nearly six months since their deaths, their parents believe there is more to the story.They are hoping the independent probe will shed light not only on what happened on that night but also on whether there was any other reason behind the mass deaths, besides what the authorities have shared.Meanwhile, the owner of Enyobeni tavern is before the courts – charged with selling alcohol to minors.
The legal drinking age in South Africa is 18.The teenagers’ deaths have prompted fresh calls for the age limit to be raised to 21 and for better monitoring of drinking establishments.Article share tools