Tshwane police have been tasked with investigating and tracking down suspects linked to the violent assault and mistreatment of a group of men at a well-known nightclub in Pretoria.
Graphic videos circulating on social media since Monday depict bouncers at Zanzou in Hatfield allegedly waterboarding and subjecting several men to other forms of abuse. Reports suggest the victims were attacked for failing to pay their bills.
The videos have caused widespread outrage, with social media users calling for swift legal action. Some have even described the incidents as acts of torture.
In response, Zanzou management released a statement acknowledging the “practices” carried out by its former security staff but claimed the incidents were unrelated to outstanding payments.
Instead, the club stated that the videos were linked to past cases of phone theft at the venue.
“The video is in no way connected to any patrons not settling any outstanding bill amounts as falsely stated on numerous social media platforms,” the club said.
Zanzou management added that upon learning about the incidents, they launched an internal investigation, put an end to the practices, and dismissed the security personnel involved.
“In line with our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment, we have since outsourced our security services to a fully registered and compliant company that operates strictly in accordance with South African laws and regulations,” the statement continued.
The club further instructed its staff to cooperate with law enforcement in ensuring that any suspected criminals are dealt with legally.
Zanzou also stated that it is considering legal action against the former bouncers involved, citing that their actions were captured on video.
Meanwhile, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola strongly condemned the events shown in the footage, calling them “inhumane, barbaric, unacceptable, and degrading.”
Masemola has ordered Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni to track down the suspects. He also urged victims of the assault to report the incidents to the police.
Authorities are currently investigating multiple charges, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), crimen injuria, and kidnapping.
Videos Violate POPIA Act
Police have also highlighted that the videos violate the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) by exposing and distributing identifiable images of the victims. Witnesses and individuals with knowledge of the incident have been encouraged to come forward to assist with the investigation.
As part of the probe, Mthombeni has instructed Tshwane District Commissioner Major General Thine to visit Zanzou to gather further information and evidence. A compliance inspection of the establishment will also be conducted.
“General Masemola assures the nation that the law will take its course and that the necessary resources will be deployed to assist in investigating this case and bringing the perpetrators thereof to justice,” police said.
Zanzou management has also alleged that an individual named Herve attempted to extort the club by threatening to release the videos unless the business met his demands. The club claims he created a misleading narrative to pressure them into compliance.
“None of the videos in question are tied to patrons who failed to settle their bills,” Zanzou reiterated.
“We are fully prepared to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in any investigations related to this matter.”
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