WC government concerned over the death of 8 people at a tavern in Makaza

Loyiso Langeni

28 June 2015

The Western Cape Liquor Authority has temporarily closed the Osi’s Place in Khayelitsha following an incident whereby eight people died on Sunday.

This is after a metal staircase collapsed at the popular tavern in Makaza leaving six people dead on the scene and ten injured.

The other two died after the ambulance that was transporting them to hospital was involved in an accident.

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste said the Western Cape Liquor Authority is waiting a report from SAPS designated liquor officer and once they have that report they will be able to take appropriate action. This action can includes sanctions such as revoking the licence

"We have also received reports that under age persons were inside the venue and MEC Winde is extremely concerned by this and it will be investigated in terms of liquor law, Liquor Authority will work very closely with SAPS to get to the bottom of this>  

Meanwhile Western Cape MEC of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo has expressed her shock at the incident. 

She said beating the scourge of substance abuse in the province requires a concerted effort from everybody.

MEC Mbombo said what we need to do now is to see how to roll out our programme related to alcohol abuse.

“We don’t know exactly the details because it’s still under the police determining the causes of death, but we speculate because these young people were at a tavern, we make assumption that it has got to do with alcohol abuse.” Mbombo added.