Zanzou bar victims come forward in alleged assault case

After three victims reported being assaulted at the Zanzou bar and lounge in Pretoria, the Brooklyn police station confirmed that cases have been opened. The Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lt Gen Mthombeni, is leading the investigation.

Case Opened

The victims’ reports came after graphic videos of alleged sexual assault and torture at Zanzou surfaced on social media. The Gauteng police are actively pursuing those responsible for the heinous acts.

Videos

The disturbing videos, shared by a former employee, depict men being subjected to waterboarding and other forms of sexual mistreatment by bouncers at Zanzou in Hatfield. The public outcry has called for legal action against the perpetrators, labeling the acts as torture.

Zanzou Responds

In response, Zanzou management released a statement acknowledging the actions of their bouncers in the videos. Contrary to speculation about unpaid bills, the club clarified that the incidents were related to phone theft on the premises. They emphasized that upon discovering the incidents, immediate action was taken to investigate, halt the practices, and dismiss the involved security personnel.

Offences

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe outlined the various offences being considered in the case, including assault, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, crimen injuria, and kidnapping. Additionally, charges under the POPI Act for displaying and distributing personal information without consent may be added, along with potential charges of rape, sexual assault, and child pornography if the investigation reveals underage victims.

‘Barbaric’

National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola condemned the actions in the videos as “inhumane, barbaric, unacceptable, and degrading.” He instructed the provincial commissioner to track down the former bouncers implicated in the incident.

As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits justice for the victims of the appalling acts at Zanzou.