Lerato Kganyago on East London tavern tragedy: "I'm truly heartbroken"
Lerato Kganyago says she is "heartbroken" following the East London tavern tragedy.
The death of 21 teenagers at a tavern in East London has sent shockwaves across the country. Twelve boys and nine girls died at Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park over the weekend. They were aged between 13 and 17.
Media personality Lerato Kganyago has joined scores of South Africans in sending her condolences.
"To the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, friends and everyone who has been directly touched by this tragedy, my deepest condolences," she wrote on Instagram.
Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the scene of the tragedy on Monday. The exact cause of their deaths have not been confirmed but Cele confirmed that the teenagers did not die of natural causes.
He also ruled out a stampede as one of the possible causes. Lerato says East London holds a special place in her heart.
"I have met many incredible and inspiring young people from eMonti. I'm truly heartbroken by what happened."
Social media users have also been reacting to the tragedy online. Many questioned why teenagers were allowed to enter a tavern.
Some called for the tavern to be shut down while others said parents should be held accountable.
"You can blame Police, Rights, Taverns, politicians, schools, churches etc #Oksalayo you as a parent is responsible for the safety of your child and behavior thereof. Shift the blame the way you like but it is on you," one Twitter user wrote.
Here's a look at what others had to say.
Theres a 16 year old female survivor on the news who says, alcohol and food was served for free at #EnyobeniTavern and there were 13 year old there too. 😳💔
— Nkanyezi (@NkanyeziKubheka) June 27, 2022
In March I wrote this piece. I am shattered💔💔#EnyobeniTavern pic.twitter.com/WhktX9bxuS
— Pule Matebesi (@monnapulemokhu1) June 26, 2022
My friend refused his son to go for a sleep over at friends place. Apparently their plan was to go to #EnyobeniTavern The friend unfortunately is now one of the deceased.
— Cosbee 🇿🇦 (@Msawuti) June 26, 2022
#EnyobeniTavern We will blame everyone else but ourselves. Parents will blame tavern owner, tavern owner will blame parents and patrons. Community will blame government for a 13 year old not being in bed etc. but no self accountability as to why our society is so rotten. pic.twitter.com/EtDmN3Ds5P
— MNM (@Diaryofazulugal) June 26, 2022
People blaming the parents+saying they should've been more strict,act as though they haven't seen / been around rebellious teenagers.When a teen decides to be rebellious,no amount of smacking,being strict or adding burglar guards will stop them from wilding out. #EnyobeniTavern
— Sihle Makhanya (@officialsihle) June 27, 2022
Main image credit: Instagram/@leratokganyago