The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has expressed deep concern over disturbing videos circulating on social media, which depict men being subjected to humiliation and sexual abuse at the Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria. The SAHRC stated that the actions revealed in the videos violate the victims’ fundamental rights to dignity and physical integrity.
In response, the SAHRC confirmed it had launched an own-initiative investigation through its Gauteng Provincial Office. As part of this investigation, the commission plans to collaborate with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the necessary resources are dedicated to the case. The SAHRC has called on both the victims and any witnesses to come forward and report the incident to SAPS and the commission.
The commission is also engaging with the nightclub’s owner, questioning why no case was filed with the police despite the seriousness of the incident. They will examine the steps taken by the owner after the abuse came to light and whether the establishment’s management failed to uphold its responsibility to prevent and address such actions. Furthermore, the SAHRC will explore whether the establishment’s institutional culture may have contributed to the horrific events.
While the public outrage surrounding the incident is understandable, the SAHRC has urged people to avoid sharing or forwarding videos and images of the abuse on social media. Distributing such content could potentially lead to legal consequences under South African law. Specifically, under Section 24E of the Films and Publications Amendment Act 11 of 2019, it is a criminal offense to knowingly distribute private sexual photographs or films without consent, with the intent to cause harm. Even forwarding such content can expose individuals to criminal liability.
In the wake of the videos, the Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for the nightclub’s security personnel who were allegedly involved in the abuse. Three victims have already reported the assault to the Brooklyn police station, and the authorities are calling for any additional victims to come forward. Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, the provincial commissioner of police in Gauteng, confirmed that the incidents took place in 2023. He emphasized that the events involved sexual assault, forced sexual acts, as well as crimes like kidnapping, crimen injuria, and the use of drugs such as GHB to facilitate the abuse.
The police are working with other law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance at the nightclub and prevent further incidents. National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, urged the public, including witnesses, to share any relevant information to aid the investigation.
Wendy Alberts, CEO of the Restaurants Association of South Africa (RASA), expressed shock at the events, stating that in her decades of experience in the restaurant and nightlife industry, she had never encountered anything as horrific as the abuse reported at Zanzou nightclub. This alarming incident has sparked widespread anger and concern, shedding light on critical issues around safety, responsibility, and accountability within establishments that serve the public.
