In January 2022, a group of five friends went to the Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria to celebrate their matric results. What began as a joyful occasion quickly turned into a disturbing experience. After a disagreement with the club’s bouncers and manager, the group was allegedly forced into a back room, where they endured mistreatment.
Shocking footage soon surfaced, showing the friends in distressing situations, including being restrained and coerced into actions that violated their dignity. The videos, which caused an outcry, revealed moments of humiliation and forced behavior, sparking significant concern.
Three of the victims have since come forward to press charges. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a spokesperson for the national police, shared that the victims explained the situation, stating that tensions between the group, the bouncers, and the manager led to the unfortunate events. The police are still working to locate the remaining two individuals and complete their statements.
Authorities are investigating multiple offenses, including unlawful treatment, forced acts, and wrongful detention. The victims were reportedly confined to a room against their will, which has added to the gravity of the case.
The controversy intensified when Pablo, a former bouncer at Zanzou, came forward, admitting that he had leaked the distressing videos. In videos shared on social media, Pablo explained that he had secretly filmed the incidents, despite restrictions on recording in that part of the club. He revealed that he had hidden his phone while recording the events, and claimed to have additional footage he planned to release.
Pablo’s role in the situation remains under investigation, with police suggesting that if he was involved in any wrongdoing, he would be considered a suspect. Meanwhile, Zanzou’s management issued a statement acknowledging the incidents and stating that they had dismissed the staff members responsible. However, Pablo disputed this, claiming he had not been fired but had voluntarily stopped working after receiving his final paycheck. He suggested that his decision to leave led to further complications.
The case has raised concerns about the treatment of individuals in establishments and has prompted an ongoing investigation. Authorities are working to ensure justice is served, while the public continues to express concern over the events that unfolded at the nightclub.
