Over-consumption of alcohol and speculation of carbon monoxide were also ruled out. Four people have been arrested for allegedly stealing belongings such as weaves, cellphones and shoes belonging to the 21 teenagers who died and were dying at Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, East London on 26 June 2022. Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said police arrested four people aged between 16 and 21 who are believed to have stolen from the deceased. “The suspects are alleged to have been involved in theft of the deceased’s belongings from Enyobeni tavern in Scenery Park.

The arrests are a sequel to the investigation which started immediately after the reported deaths of 21 children,” said Kinana. Kinana said detectives followed up on information which prompted the arrest of suspects. Three suspects were arrested on Thursday, and a 16-year-old on Friday – all at their homes in Scenery Park. The 16-year-old was released into the custody of his parents in terms of the Child Justice Act, which stipulates that an child may not be detained in police cells.