EAST LONDON South Africa aEUR” More then a thousand family members and community members will attend the funeral in South Africa’s East London for 21 teens who were killed in a mysterious accident at a nightclub two weeks ago.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will give the eulogy to the young people who have died.
A large choir sang mournful hymns as 19 coffins were transported into a tent, where the service will be held in East London’s Scenery Park. Two families had private burials. The service organizers stated that the caskets displayed were empty to respect the wishes of some families. They said that the children will be buried in different cemeteries on Wednesday and in the following days.
Many more mourners were able to sit outside the tent as it filled up.
The cause of death for the 13- and 17-year-olds who died in Enyobeni’s tavern is still unknown. All of them were below the legal drinking age in South Africa, 18 years. The cause of death is being investigated by pathologists using blood samples. Police have ruled out a stampede because victims’ bodies didn’t show any serious injuries.
The neighborhood around the abandoned tavern is in a sad mood. Some residents have put wreaths and flowers. The bar was closed by authorities amid concerns about how many teenagers could have congregated in an establishment that sold alcohol after midnight on June 26, 2012.
According to community members, there is an issue with underage drinking.
Ramaphosa addresses the service as he faces many challenges, including prolonged power cuts in South Africa and wide-ranging corruption allegations. There are also questions about large sums of cash that were allegedly hidden in furniture on his game farm.
Ramaphosa will also be eulogizing the deceased. The funeral service will include local choirs singing and speeches by religious and community leaders.
