The Enyobeni Inquest in the East London Regional Court sitting in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape has been adjourned to the 20th of August.
Today the inquest learnt that asphyxia was the cause of death of the 21 teenagers at Enyobeni Tavern in June 2022. Testimony by Dr Sithandiwe Kunyuza, one of the doctors who examined some of the deceased patrons, dealt with the results of the autopsies.
Asphyxia is a condition that occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygen.
The post-mortem also found blood spots on the eyes, liver, heart and kidneys of all of the 21 victims. Some also had a swollen brain, and fluid was also found in the lungs of the deceased.
Dr Kunyuza attributes these complications to increased pressure on the body. She says that although there was a presence of methanol and carbon monoxide in all the deceased, it was not enough to cause death.