The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) has expressed serious concern over disturbing video footage emerging from Zanzou nightclub in Hatfield, Pretoria. The clips, which have gone viral, depict violent and abusive behavior by security personnel, including forced rape and human rights violations. These actions have sparked outrage, drawing the attention of PSiRA, which oversees the private security sector in South Africa.
PSiRA director Manabela Chauke condemned the actions shown in the footage, emphasizing that such conduct is a direct violation of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act. He underlined that the behavior—ranging from physical assault to degrading treatment—goes against the ethical standards expected of security personnel and breaches the constitutional rights of the individuals involved. Chauke vowed to take swift action against the perpetrators, stating that if the security officers involved are found guilty, they could face suspension, de-registration, or even legal prosecution.
In light of these events, PSiRA has launched an urgent investigation to determine if the security personnel were registered with the authority and if the company responsible for their actions followed the required regulations. The authority has also urged any victims or witnesses of similar abuses across South Africa to come forward and report incidents through its official channels, as part of a broader effort to ensure that private security operations are carried out lawfully and respect human dignity.
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken over the investigation, with their family violence, child protection, and sexual offences unit leading the charge. This unit, specializing in handling cases related to sexual violence, has already begun looking into the serious charges leveled against the alleged perpetrators. According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a manhunt has been launched for eight men, believed to be foreign nationals, who are suspected of being involved in the horrific incident. The charges being investigated include compelled rape, assault, kidnapping, intimidation, and crimen injuria.
The victims, three young women aged between 20 and 22, reported the incident to the Brooklyn police station on Monday evening. They explained that they were part of a group of five friends who were subjected to abuse at the nightclub following a dispute with the bouncers and manager. The victims allege that the nightclub staff forcibly confined them to a storage room, where they were physically assaulted and subjected to humiliating sexual acts, including being coerced into inserting alcohol bottles into their bodies.
Authorities are still working to trace the other two victims who have not yet been found but are confident that their statements will also be added to the investigation. In addition, SAPS has appealed for the public’s help in locating a man known as “Pablo” on social media, who claims to be a former bouncer at the nightclub. Pablo has reportedly made several allegations about the incident, and the police believe his insights could be crucial in resolving the case.
As the investigation progresses, both PSiRA and SAPS are committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions and ensuring justice is served. PSiRA, in particular, remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that private security services in South Africa operate within the bounds of the law, upholding the safety and dignity of all individuals involved.
