At least 21 found dead in South African night club, cause yet unknown

South African police in Johannesburg, December 2021
South African police in Johannesburg, December 2021 Copyright AP Photo/Shiraaz Mohamed
By Euronews with AP
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According to the authorities, the club in the coastal town of East London gathered a group of youths celebrating the end of winter school exams.

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South African police are investigating the deaths of at least 21 people at a nightclub in the coastal town of East London early Sunday morning.

It is unclear what led to the deaths of the young people, who were reportedly attending a party to celebrate the end of winter school exams.

Local newspaper Daily Dispatch reported that bodies were strewn across tables and chairs without any visible signs of injuries.

The victims were thirteen boys and eight girls, all aged between 13 and 17.

“At this point we cannot confirm the cause of death,” said health department spokesperson Siyanda Manana.

“We are going to conduct autopsies as soon as possible to establish the probable cause of death. The deceased have been taken to state mortuaries,” Manana added.

Police Minister Bheki Cele was expected to visit the scene on Sunday morning.

The owner of the club, Siyakhangela Ndevu, told local broadcaster eNCA that he had been called to the scene early Sunday morning.

“I am still uncertain about what really happened, but when I was called in the morning I was told the place was too full and that some people were trying to force their way into the tavern,” he said.

“However, we will hear what the police say about the cause of death,” Ndevu added.

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