EASTERN CAPE NEWS - The Office of the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in the Eastern Cape reported that the investigation process into Enyobeni incident which took place in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, 26 June 2022 led to the arrest of four (4) male suspects aged between 16 and 21. 

The suspects are alleged to have been involved in theft of items belonging to the deceased from the Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park.

The arrests are a sequel to the investigation which  started immediately after the reported deaths of 21 children in the tavern. As part of the ongoing investigation by crime intelligence, SAPS detectives followed up on information which prompted the arrest of suspects believed to have been involved in stealing from the deceased's lifeless bodies.

Three of the suspects were arrested on Thursday, 21 July whilst one, a 16 year old minor, was arrested today (Friday, 22 July). The 16 year old has been handed over into the custody of his parents in terms of the Child Justice Act which stipulates that an underage child may not be detained in the police cells.

The stolen items recovered from the homes of the suspects included clothes, shoes, weaves, and a watch belonging to some of the children who died during the incident. Some of the stolen items have been positively identified by families whilst other items are yet to be identified. 

Cases of theft, possession of suspected stolen property, and defeating the ends of justice have been registered for further investigation. 

The arrested suspects are not linked to the deaths of the 21 children as there is no evidence to suggest their involvement at this stage. 

The investigation into establishing the cause of death is still underway as investigating officers are awaiting the final results from the forensic laboratory.

All four suspects are expected to appear in the East London Magistrate Court on Monday 25 July 2022.

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