Judgment is expected to be delivered at the East London Regional Court in Mdantsane in the long-running inquest into the deaths of 21 young people at the Enyobeni Tavern in June 2022.
The inquest has sought to determine whether anyone should be held criminally liable for the tragedy that claimed the lives of the teenagers and young adults.
More than 30 witnesses have testified during the proceedings, with evidence examining the events leading up to the deaths, the operation of the tavern and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Despite months of testimony, many of the victims' families say they are still searching for answers and accountability.
The State has argued that responsibility for the tragedy extends beyond the tavern's management, maintaining that other individuals or entities may also bear accountability.
Meanwhile, the tavern owners have denied being solely responsible, claiming they have been unfairly singled out. They argue that political interference influenced the investigation and resulted in them being made the primary focus of blame.
The court's ruling is expected to provide clarity on who, if anyone, should face criminal prosecution in connection with one of South Africa's deadliest tavern tragedies.