Charged after fatal stampede

THE owner of a South African township tavern where 10 people were killed in a stampede early on New Year’s Day has been charged with culpable homicide.

Police spokeswoman Adele Myburgh said 47-year-old James Lepholletse was arrested yesterday and will face charges of causing death by negligence in court on Friday.

Myburgh said a witness claims the owner shot a firearm in the bar to encourage patrons to leave, which caused the panic that led to the stampede.

She said investigations are ongoing.