Three victims of an alleged violent assault at Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria reported the incident to the Brooklyn police station on Monday after disturbing videos showing extreme torture by the nightclub’s bouncers went viral on social media. The graphic footage, which depicts severe human rights violations, shows men hogtied, naked, and bound, subjected to acts resembling kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted murder.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that authorities are investigating several serious offences, including rape, assault, GBH (grievous bodily harm), crimen injuria, and kidnapping. The investigation is being closely overseen by General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who has directed Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, to track down the suspects responsible for the violent abuse. Mathe added that Mthombeni was at the police station alongside the victims, ensuring that the investigation was proceeding swiftly.
As the investigation unfolds, witnesses and anyone with knowledge of the incident have been urged to come forward to assist the police in their inquiries. The severity of the case has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for justice growing louder across the country.
Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) took immediate action, staging a protest outside Zanzou nightclub. The party demanded the arrest of the nightclub’s owner, Stephane Cohen, and the closure of the business. Nkululeko Dunga, the EFF’s Gauteng chairperson, condemned the horrific behavior displayed in the videos. “Such abhorrent behavior cannot be tolerated in a society that prides itself on upholding human dignity and justice,” Dunga said. He added that the EFF would take the matter to the Human Rights Commission of South Africa, ensuring that the nightclub’s management is held accountable for the actions of their staff.
This case has drawn intense attention to the alleged abuse at Zanzou nightclub, with the public and political figures alike demanding a thorough investigation and swift justice for the victims of this shocking and dehumanizing act.
