KNYSNA NEWS - Controversy surrounds the Jazz Inn tavern in Nekkies following several deaths in recent months just outside its premises.
Owner of the tavern Ncamile Vusani said, “For the past few weeks we have endured a series of malicious reports linking Jazz Inn as a den of brutal acts that resulted in loss of lives of members of our community.”
He said the tavern, which is situated on the Uniondale Road, is governed by the Department of Roads and Transport and monitored by Knysna Municipality.
No streetlights
In 2013, Vusani explained, he requested streetlights to be installed to ensure visibility of pedestrians and other road users. “To this day, that has not been attended to. These two points will alleviate the burden police face when executing their duties and members of the public can easily identify perpetrators of these heinous acts.”
He said it is disheartening to note the insensitive venting on social media by people alleging the business is involved in the recent deaths.
“I have gone as far as seeking legal recourse for people to clear Jazz Inn of these incidents as they did not take place in our premises but on the proximity of Uniondale Road, which has a string of outlets rendering the same service.”
'Where's the evidence?'
Vusani said he challenges anyone with evidence implicating Jazz Inn in the incidents, and adds, “I wish to ask members of the public to assist the police by giving valuable information they require to apprehend the monsters ripping our communities.”
There is also a video of a member of the taxi rank, Mandla Tyololo, at the said establishment addressing a crowd, saying they have been asked by the owner to intervene in helping eradicate crime in the tavern and surrounding areas.
'The fights start there'
Three members of the public, who wish to remain anonymous, say almost every weekend a person dies coming from this establishment and that for the greater good of the community they hope the place closes down. One of them even said, "The deaths never happen on the premises, but in most cases the fights start there and the owner chases the people out. How is he helping the situation when he chases two drunk, very angry individuals who are clearly not thinking straight? Surely he should take some responsibility, but we've never seen him."
Knysna police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies said," The Knysna detective branch is currently investigating three cases following incidents in the vicinity of Uniondale Road since February 2018 to date, according to official information available."
First Incident
A murder case was opened following an incident at the Uniondale Road, Knysna 18 February 2018 at about 02:55. It is alleged the victim and the suspect had an argument inside a tavern. Both later left the tavern and the suspect stabbed the victim, Siyawandisa Tesana (27), with a sharp object. He sustained injuries to his chest and died on the scene. A 23-year-old suspect, Yolana Yokwana, was arrested later in connection with this incident. He already appeared in court and this matter was postponed to 6 June 2018.
Second Incident
A 21-year-old suspect, Maritsa Damons, was arrested in connection with an incident at Nekkies on 10 April 2018. It is alleged the victim and the suspect, who were involved in a domestic relationship, had an argument. She stabbed the victim, Matshini Mzukisi (34) with a knife. He sustained injuries to his face and was taken to hospital where he died later.
Third Incident
It is alleged that a 22-year-old man, Sanele Dyanti, was found next to the Uniondale Road at Nekkies with several stab wounds by a member of the public on 19 March 2018 at about 02:20. He was taken to hospital where he died later. No arrest had been made in connection with this incident yet.
Spies appeals to the public to come forward with any information that may assist the police with this investigation, by phoning Warrant Officer Reginus Quine on 044 302 6652. All information will be dealt with confidentially.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
