The recent emergence of shocking footage from the Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria has ignited an uproar, revealing chilling acts that some content resemble severe human rights violations.
This disturbing video, which has been widely circulated on social media, portrays incidents of what appears to be kidnapping, sexual assault, and even attempted murder, thrusting the nightclub into the centre of a heated national debate on safety and accountability.
In light of these events, the Men’s Forum of South Africa has taken a bold stance, calling for urgent action to address the myriad abuses unfolding within the establishment.
Deputy President of the Men’s Forum, Tebogo Lerole, expressed grave concern over the content depicted in the footage and promised psychological support for the victims.
He furthermore urged the public to cease sharing the videos, emphasising the potential harm that could come to the individuals involved.
“I would also like us to stop sharing the images because anything could happen to these young boys,” Lerole stated, highlighting the risk of further victimisation in an age where information spreads rapidly online.
Lerole categorically condemned the shocking acts, labelling them as inhumane and warning that such experiences can result in devastating long-term effects on victims, potentially leading them to criminal behaviour as a form of coping.
He called for not only legal repercussions but also for a systemic approach that safeguards the dignity of those affected throughout the judicial process.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Zanzou nightclub's management issued a statement acknowledging the video’s existence and affirming their commitment to patron safety.
They contend that an individual named Mr Herve has attempted to extort the business by threatening to release the footage unless his demands are met.
The nightclub firmly refuted claims that the videos involved patrons who had failed to settle their bills, asserting their readiness to assist law enforcement in any ongoing investigations.
However, doubts surrounding the integrity of local law enforcement have emerged, particularly from an individual known as Pablo, who leaked the videos.
He alleges collusion between nightclub staff and police, claiming that any reports of assault lodged against Zanzou are systematically destroyed.
“Those people (work) with police, Sunnyside, Brooklyn; all the police are under them, they pay the supervisor and when you open a case against Zanzou, they will delete the case,” he asserted.
In a significant development, three alleged victims have come forward to file formal charges at the Brooklyn police station.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, confirmed that investigations are ongoing, encompassing various serious offences such as rape, assault, grievous bodily harm, crimen injuria, and kidnapping.
Brigadier Mathe also urged additional victims and witnesses to step forward to assist in the investigation.
The distressing footage has attracted the attention of political leaders, including the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola.
Nqola expressed sorrow over the situation and called for the Human Rights Commission to engage with both victims and those allegedly involved in extortion schemes.
“There are a lot more issues that need to be uncovered than meet the eye. Nightclub establishments thrive on illegality that seems to be perpetuated without mitigation,” he stated.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has firmly condemned the egregious acts witnessed in the footage, urging for Zanzou nightclub’s immediate shutdown pending a thorough investigation.
Their statement stressed that the acts depicted represent a grave violation of the Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental rights of all South Africans.
As the controversy unfolds, the nightclub’s history of violence cannot be overlooked.
Previous incidents in the area have raised questions about safety in Pretoria’s nightlife, with notable cases of murder and attempted murder prompting community concerns about broader issues surrounding nightclub operations.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission, in the province has pledged to work around the clock to ensure that this case receives the necessary attention to ensure that perpetrators of this despicable act are brought to book.
The Democratic Alliance health spokesperson in Tshwane Councillor, Dikeledi Selowa said the club was in contravention of Category 1 business, which prevented it from operating as a nightclub.
Selowa urged the law enforcement agencies to enforce the City’s bylaws to ensure stringent enforcement.
“We urge the City to conduct wide-ranging inspections at night clubs like Zanzou. It will be important to not only look at those operating without liquor licenses, but also to ensure that they comply with building codes, by conducting unannounced inspections to businesses operating at night in the City,” the councillor advised.
The Star
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