Johannesburg - The ten people who were killed in a horrific stampede during a New Year's day celebration at a tavern in Ipelegeng have all been identified, North West police said on Sunday. The seven men and three women were found to be aged between 18 and 25, Captain Adele Myburgh said.
The men were identified as Tshomo Stephen Ditloko, Lebogang Moyake, Samuel Mogokare, Boy Maano, Seoka Montshiwagae, Bongani Malantwa and Isaac Mothupi.
The women included Mpho Mokwena, Kelebogile Julia Maruping and Mapitso Makhobosi.
Myburgh earlier told Sapa that the families were notified. However, they still had to go to the morgue with the deceased's identity documents to identify them on Monday.
The owner of the tavern was arrested in connection with the incident on Saturday.
Call for calm
He is expected to appear in the Sweizer-Reneke Magistrate's Court on Monday to face charges of culpable homicide. Police have called for calm in the Ipelegeng community following the incident.
"We request the community to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands.
"People must act responsibly in assisting the police with their investigation," Myburgh said.
The stampede occurred at the entrance to the tavern's dance area at 02:15.
The tavern was a popular night-spot in the township and had a dance floor and tuck shop adjoined to it. Authorities could not confirm an SABC report that a fight among patrons led to the stampede.
Ipelegeng Mayor Kenneth Tshipelo told Sapa the township was in a state of shock and disbelief.
"It's not something that has occurred in this community before and people are taken aback.
"The situation is calm right now... but this is the first and worst incident we have ever had."
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/North-West-stampede-victims-identified-20110102
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