Police have opened an investigation following the tragic deaths of 21 teenagers at a local tavern (Pub) in Scenery Park, East London, South Africa.

They have also ordered the deployment of “maximum resources” as they investigate the incident.

On Sunday morning, at about 04:00, the Scenery Park police station received reports of “lifeless bodies”, national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said.

Police Minister Bheki Cele says the youngest victim of the Enyobeni tavern tragedy is 13 years old.

Addressing families outside the Brookwood Mortuary, Cele said minors aged between 13 and 17 died at the Scenery Park tavern.

Police had earlier said the victims were between 18 and 20.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana said 21 people have died.

Cele, who cried after seeing the children’s bodies at the mortuary, said: “The scene I have seen inside, it doesn’t matter what kind of a heart you have, you will be sad. Firstly, the sight of those bodies sleeping there but when you look at their faces you realise that you’re dealing with kids. You’ve heard the story that they are young but when you see them you realise that it’s a disaster.”

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana has confirmed to News24 that the death toll in the Enyobeni tavern tragedy has risen to 21. The 21^st victim died in hospital on Sunday.

News24.com