Chatsworth marks 25 years since Throb Nightclub disaster

MONDAY marked 25 years since the Throb Nightclub disaster in Chatsworth that claimed the lives of 13 children.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER [e-mail]

As the community remembers this tragedy, Lazarus Soobramoney shared the enduring pain of losing his son, Rory, that fateful day in March 2000.

At the time, there were 600 chil- dren in the nightclub enjoying their end-of-term party. Besides those who died, 100 others were injured, leaving many families traumatised.

The children who lost their lives were Jadeine Mohunlal, 11; Sumeshan Govender, 12; Preston Premsingh, 13; Sumaya Jhetam, 13; Leeosha Sowrimuthu, 14; Guresha Naidoo, 15; Prean Govindsamy, 15; Rory Soobramoney, 15; Chantal Maduray, 16; Vaneshree Pillay, 16; Sumaya Kudoos, 16; Nolan Pillay, 17; and Junaid Gaffoor, 18.

At the time, Nelson Mandela, created the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre - in memory of the 13 chil- dren — as a place for the youth to meet in Chatsworth.

Rory’s father, Lazarus Soobra- money, a retired principal, said the pain still remained as the day of the tragedy on March 24.