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At Least 20 Dead in South African Club, Police Investigate

JOHANNESBURG — South African police are investigating the deaths of at least 20 people at a nightclub in the coastal town of East London early Sunday.

The cause of death of these young men is not known. They were apparently at a party celebrating the conclusion of winter school exams.

Daily Dispatch, a local newspaper reported that people were found lying on chairs and tables with no visible injuries.

“At this point we cannot confirm the cause of death,” said health department spokesperson Siyanda Manana.

“We are going to conduct autopsies as soon as possible to establish the probable cause of death. The deceased have been taken to state mortuaries,” Manana added.

On Sunday, the Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the site.

Siyakhangela Nadevu, the owner of the club told eNCA that he was called on Sunday to assist with the situation.

“I am still uncertain about what really happened, but when I was called in the morning I was told the place was too full and that some people were trying to force their way into the tavern,” he said.

“However, we will hear what the police say about the cause of death,” Ndevu added.

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