A manager and his assistant were arrested for allegedly selling alcohol to minors. Two out of three of the young girls who died at Raz Mataz tavern in Hofmeyr, Eastern Cape, were between the ages of 15 and 17 years.
The Eastern Cape Liqour Board said criminal charges will be laid against the owner of the tavern.
The initial report suggested that all three died as a result of an unknown substance which was sprayed inside the tavern.
Mgwebi Msiya, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Liqour Board said they are so disappointed about the liqour outlets that continue to sell alcohol to young children.
This incident is very similar to what happened at Enyobeni tavern last in June where 21 young people lost their lives. Minors were being sold alcohol. – Mgwebi Msiya.
Mgwebi Msiya added that as the Liqour Board they continue to engage with the communities to educate them about underage drinking. He also urged parents and caregivers to be vigilant during ceremonies because that’s where most young people start to drink. He urged parents not to give the young ones excessive pocket money as they are tempted to buy alcohol.
Msiya concluded by saying that liqour traders who continue to disobey rules may face jail time and lose their liqour licenses.
