Zanzou nightclub faces police probe over torture, sexual assault allegations

Police are probing Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria after disturbing torture and sexual assault videos leaked on social media.

Police investigate Zanzou nightclub following disturbing allegations of torture by security staff.

Zanzou nightclub under police investigation after reports of torture allegedly carried out by security. Image via Facebook/ Temaswati Nqobile Dlamini

Gauteng Police have responded to allegations of torture at Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria.

The establishment has been trending after viral videos surfaced online, allegedly showing its bouncers using violent and sexually abusive behaviour towards patrons.

GAUTENG POLICE LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ZANZOU INCIDENT

Gauteng Police have condemned the violent acts allegedly committed by the bouncers at Pretoria’s Zanzou nightclub. The disturbing videos, which are highly graphic, depict several men being tortured and sexually abused.

The establishment has faced backlash online due to the nature of the explicit content in the viral videos.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says General Fannie Masemola has instructed Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni to track down the suspects accused of assaulting the group of men at the club.

She has also condemned the alleged abuse by the establishment’s bouncers.

“General Masemola is also calling on all victims who were subjected to the abuse and assault by the suspects to come forward and open a case at the Brooklyn police station,, which is in the jurisdiction of the said establishment or at any nearest police station, wherein the case will be later transferred to the Brooklyn police station.

POLICE INVESTIGATING MULTIPLE OFFENSES

Masemola also added that police are currently investigating several potential offences.

“The police are at this stage looking at various offences that have been committed, including assault, assault GBH, crimen injuria, and kidnapping. The actions depicted in the video also contravene the POPIA Act, in which they displayed and distributed the faces and bodily features of the victims.

Masemola has described the actions shown in the videos as cruel, barbaric, unacceptable and demeaning.

ZANZOU REACTS TO THE ALLEGED ABUSE INCIDENT

Zanzou released a statement saying it was aware of the shocking videos.

The management said it had dismissed the security personnel allegedly responsible for the abuse. It also confirmed that legal action against the security personnel is being considered.

“Mr Herve has sought to unsuccessfully extort the business in lieu of withholding these videos from public release.”

“As a result, formulated a dishonest narrative around the surrounding circumstances in an attempt to force the business to settle his demands. None of the videos in question are tied to patrons who failed to pay their bills,” reads the statement.