There is no way a tavern stampede that claimed the lives of six youths from Khayelitsha near Cape Town could have been prevented.

This is according to Ugoeze Anusien‚ a bouncer who was on duty on the night of the incident.

Anusien said the incident happened suddenly.

“The way things happened that night‚ there was no way ...it just happened. There is no way that anybody could prevent it (from happening)‚” he said.

He was testifying at the hearing which will determine whether to revoke the licence of Osi’s Place.

Six women aged between 15 and 23 years died as a result of a stamped in the early hours of a Sunday morning in June.

Two others died in a car accident on their way to hospital.

Anusien was being questioned by Aubrey Xhashimba‚ who is representing Osi’s tavern owner‚ Phumlani Abram.

The day of the incident was Anusien’s second day on the job as a bouncer at the tavern.

He told the hearing he started working as a bouncer in 2001 back home in Nigeria.

Asked what caused the panic that led to the stampede‚ Anusien blamed a crowd which he said came late‚ travelling in four minibus taxis.

He said the tavern had already closed and the group was trying to make its way up the stairs while other patrons were leaving.

“(It’s as if) they had a party somewhere‚ then they decided to go and finish it up‚” Anusien stated.

Questioned by Western Cape Liquor Authority proscecutor‚ Johan Smit‚ Anusien admitted he didn’t know the conditions of Osi’s liquor licence.

He said he never saw any person injured during the commotion and was shocked when told about the deaths.