Police call for calm as probe into S African stampede continue

Myburgh did not confirm the ages of the deceased. But North West Province public safety department spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said most of the deceased were aged between 18 and 25.

As police attempted to piece together the events leading to the stampede through the narrow doorway of the club,allegations emerged of a fight amongst drunken patrons as the cause of the horrific incident.

Meanwhile,Ipelegeng residents are baying for the blood of the unnamed 48-year-old tavern owner,who is in police custody and will appear in a court tomorrow on charges of culpable homicide.

A local pastor,calling for prayers for the deceased,cautioned that the angered residents who had reportedly wanted to burn down the tavern on Saturday might react angrily as emotions ran high ahead of a planned mass burial next week.