THE Eastern Cape police have arrested four suspects for allegedly stealing the belongings of the 21 youngsters who died during the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy in Scenery Park last month.
The suspects are expected to appear in the East London Magistrates Court on Monday, 25 July.
Last week, the Department of Health and police pointed out methanol as the possible cause of death in their preliminary report. But the authorities are still looking at the quantitative results, which were found in the blood samples of the 21 teenagers.
Police spokesman Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said: “The four aged between 16 and 21 were arrested on Thursday and Friday as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragedy. The arrests are a sequel to the investigation which started immediately after the reported deaths of 21 children in the tavern. The investigation led the police to the arrest of suspects believed to have been involved in stealing from the deceased lifeless bodies.”
READ: Enyobeni tavern horror: Why booze and carbon monoxide are not causes of death
He said the stolen items recovered included shoes, weaves, clothes and a watch belonging to some of the children who died during the incident.
“The arrested suspects are not linked to the death of 21 children, as there is no evidence to suggest their involvement at this stage. The investigation into establishing the cause of death is still underway. At the right time, the affected families will be informed,” he said.
All four suspects are expected to appear in the East London Magistrates Court on Monday, 25 July. The accused are charged for theft, possession of suspected stolen property, and defeating the ends of justice.”
