Reason for loss of life of 21 Enyobeni patrons was asphyxia: Pathologist – SABC Information

The Enyobeni Inquest in the East London Regional Court sitting in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape has been adjourned to the 20th of August.

Today the inquest learnt that asphyxia was the cause of death of the 21 teenagers at Enyobeni Tavern in June 2022. Testimony by Dr Sithandiwe Kunyuza, one of the doctors who examined some of the deceased patrons, dealt with the results of the autopsies.

Asphyxia is a condition that occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygen.

The post-mortem also found blood spots on the eyes, liver, heart and kidneys of all of the 21 victims. Some also had a swollen brain, and fluid was also found in the lungs of the deceased.

Dr Kunyuza attributes these complications to increased pressure on the body. She says that although there was a presence of methanol and carbon monoxide in all the deceased, it was not enough to cause death.

“There was a small bleeding in the covering of the brain, there was bleeding in the heart muscle, a large area of homology in the stomach. There were homologies in the liver, the cause of death was established as crush asphyxia in a person with alcohol intoxication.”

A similar report by Dr Solomon Zondi further suggests that a delay in reporting the disaster contributed to the death of 21 patrons.

Dr Zondi’s report was read out in court, as he has since died. Families of the deceased including Ntombizonke Mgangala say the post-mortem report of both doctors gives clarity on the cause of their children’s death.

“We are happy and pleased with the way the doctors are giving results, giving us the clarity that we have been waiting for. It also gives us the go-ahead of knowing what transpired that led to the death of our children, and it also makes sure that who will be held responsible for the death of our children, because that is what we were looking for.”

Dr Sithandiwe Kunyuza is expected to be cross-examined when the inquest resumes.

Enyobeni Tavern Tragedy | Families demand answers: