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The family of South Africa's late leader Nelson Mandela has called for all community taverns to close and alcohol to be banned, following the deaths of 21 teenagers in one such venue which have shocked the country.

Alcohol is "a source of great concern for parents who are justifiably worried about the scourge of sexual offences against women including infants, toddlers, young girls and even abogogo [elders]," said Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, who is Nelson Mandela's grandson and who spoke on behalf of the Royal House of Mandela on Tuesday.

Times Live quoted him as saying it was "farcical" to try to defend taverns for economic reasons "in light of the innocent lives lost" at the Enyobeni Tavern in East London.

South Africa's liquor board has said the owners of the night venue would face criminal charges after allegedly breaching licensing agreements.