Probe into Enyobeni deaths 'ongoing' - police
Eastern Cape police say the investigations into the deaths of 21 young people in East London this past weekend is ongoing.
It comes amid media reports that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected to be the cause of their deaths.
News24 is quoting sources close to the investigation as saying the youngsters inhaled toxic fumes at Enyobeni tavern, believed to have emanated from a petrol generator.
When approached by Newswatch for comment, police in the province said no new information was available at this stage and no arrests have been made.
READ: EC liquor board opens criminal cases against Enyobeni tavern
The Eastern Cape Health Department has also declined to comment.
The tavern was packed with mostly teenagers celebrating the end of exams.
The 21 victims were aged between 13 and 21.
Following the tragedy, the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance says the scourge of underage drinking is worrying.
Director Maurice Smithers says there are broader societal issues contributing to the growing number of adolescents consuming alcohol.
ALSO READ: ‘Obvious’ that Enyobeni broke licence agreement, says liquor association
"We do have challenges around alcohol any of which are exacerbated by poor law enforcement, poverty, unemployment, this desire by the liquor industry to make as much money as possible and so normalising and glamorising alcohol to the extent that young people have not been cultured into believing that the only way you can have a celebration is by having alcohol involved."
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board earlier confirmed it had laid a charge against the owner of the tavern, accusing him of selling alcohol to minors.
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