Throb nightclub disaster

The Throb nightclub disaster occurred on 24 March 2000, when panic broke out after the detonation of a teargas canister at the Throb nightclub in Chatsworth, Durban in South Africa.[1][2] There were 600 children from age 11-14 celebrating the end of term. The incident resulted with deaths of 13 children and 100 injured.[3] The youngest to die in the accident was 11 years old.[4][5]

Victims

The deceased individuals were later named as:[6]

  • Jadeine Mohunlal, 11
  • Guresha Naidoo, 15
  • Prean Govindsamy, 15
  • Junaid Gaffoor, 18
  • Leeosha Sowrimuthu, 14
  • Nolan Pillay, 17
  • Preston Premsingh, 13
  • Sumaya Jhetam, 13
  • Chantal Maduray, 16
  • Vaneshree Pillay, 16
  • Rory Soobramoney, 15
  • Sumeshan Govender, 12
  • Sumaya Kudoos, 16

Subsequent developments

Vincent Pillay, Selvan Naidoo, and Sivanthan Chetty were accused for the incident. Naidoo and Pillay later admitted their involvement in the Durban High Court. Naidoo confessed that he put the canister behind the speakers after Pillay smuggled it inside the club. He said he was offered R5,000 (about US$1,000 at the time) and a job at Silver Slipper Club by Chetty, the manager there.[7]

The Chatsworth Youth Center was opened in 2003 by Nelson Mandela in the memory of the 13 children who died in the incident.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ Andrew, Miranda (2006-05-06). "Throb mastermind apologises for murders". Independent Online. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  2. ^ "13 children die in disco stampede". The Guardian. Durban, South Africa. Associated Press. 2000-03-25. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  3. ^ "Two Throb victims tell of tragedy". News24. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  4. ^ "BBC News | AFRICA | Murder charges after nightclub deaths". BBC. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  5. ^ "BBC News | AFRICA | Children die in South African disco". BBC. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  6. ^ a b "Paying tribute to Madiba and victims of the Throb tragedy | Rising Sun Chatsworth". Rising Sun Chatsworth. 2017-03-30. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  7. ^ "Two Throb accused confess". News24. Retrieved 2018-03-28.