Pretoria - Police will leave no stone unturned during their investigations into a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 people during New Year's celebrations at a shebeen in the North West.
MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Desbo Mohono, who described the incident as the province's worst New Year celebration disaster, called on police to intensify their investigations into the incident.
According to reports, a commotion allegedly broke out during New Year's festivities at a shebeen in the Ipelegeng township, causing revelers to rush for the door as they tried to leave a crowded hall.
In the stampede that ensued, seven men and three women were killed.
The owner of the shebeen has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court on charges of culpable homicide.
Mohono said investigations should also look into whether the owner of the tavern had taken the necessary measures to ensure the safety of patrons at the tavern in accordance with his license.
"Should this not be the case, they should consider charging the owner of the tavern for negligence and pursuing profit at the expense of safety of his patrons. Someone should be held accountable for the incident which has robbed families and the community of valuable lives who were at the prime of their youth," she said.
Mohono also called on the community to assist police with their investigations.
