Police probe three mysterious Eastern Cape tavern deaths

Police in the Eastern Cape have opened an inquest docket for investigations after three women died on Christmas Eve and several people were hospitalised.

This after being allegedly sprayed with an unknown substance at a local tavern in Hofmeyr.

The deceased women include two minors, aged 15 and 17, as well as a 25-year-old.

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Several hospitalised

Thirteen victims – among them also minors – were taken to Cradock Hospital, experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches.

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The community are reeling in shock as they mourn the deaths. Such incidents never happen in their area, they said.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana confirmed the tavern has since been closed.

The manager and assistant manager have been arrested on charges of Contravention of Sec38 (a) of the Liquor Act 10 of 2003.

“They  appeared in Ntabethemba Magistrate court on 2022-12-28 and are currently kept in police custody until the next court date which is on 2023-01-10,” said Kinana.

Cause of deaths to be probed

Circumstances surrounding the incident will form part of the investigation, as well as the cause of deaths, will form part of the investigation, said Kinana.

Due to the sensitivity of the unfortunate incident and to safeguard the investigation, they do not want to speculate why the deaths occurred, he said.

“The suspect has not been identified and is therefore not known at this stage, however, the investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Kinana added.

He appealed to anyone who might have information that can lead to the arrest of the unknown suspects to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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