A mass funeral for the 21 teenagers who mysteriously died at Enyobeni tavern in East London, will be held next week. The cause of death has been identified as a chemical poison; however, investigations are still continuing.
Government and the families of the deceased have agreed to hold the mass funeral on Wednesday 6 July. The families will be assisted with transportation of the bodies to the burial of their choice. The provincial government has vowed to assist the families in covering the costs of the burials.
Provincial spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie says police detectives are still at the scene ensuring that people do not get close to the tavern amid reports that toxic fumes from a petrol generator inside the tavern was the reason behind the deaths.
Rantjie says have been taken and sent to a lab in the Western Cape. “The report will be shared with the affected families as soon as investigations have been concluded. The South African Police Service remains on the scene and continues to comb the scene for further clues in relation to the tragic incident. Therefore, families will be assisted with transportation of the remains to be interred at burial sites of their choice.”
Rantjie said funeral parlous have also offered to assist the families. “Amongst those is AVBOB, the funeral parlour has pledged burial costs support for each family. The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality has waved the grave fees for the burial of the deceased and together with the provincial government will facilitate other logistical needs to ensure a dignified send-off for the deceased.”