17 found dead in a South African tavern, officials said

PRETORIA, South Africa and LONDON – At least 17 people were found dead in a South African tavern early Sunday morning, officials said.

“The South African Police Service has confirmed that about 17 people have been found dead in a local tavern in Scenery Park in the East London area,” said police spokesman Brigadier General Tembinkoshi Kinana. “We received this report in the early hours of this morning. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being clarified. At this stage, we do not want to make any speculation, as our investigations are ongoing. “

Police were notified around 4 a.m. local time, Kinana said, and combed the scene for evidence at noon. Scenery Park is located in East London, a city in the South African province of East Cape.

Kinana said the dead were between 18 and 20 years old.

This is an evolving story. Please check again for updates.