A 41-year-old Congolese national accused of assaulting patrons at Pretoria’s controversial Zanzou nightclub has been granted bail.
Bouncer accused of alleged Zanzou torture gets bail
The Pretoria Magistrates Court ruled that the accused may be released on R10,000 bail, with the magistrate saying there was no indication the suspect would flee the country, as he holds a valid temporary asylum seeker visa.
The suspect’s arrest came after disturbing videos began circulating online, showing men being physically and sexually assaulted at Zanzou.
These scenes caused nationwide outrage. According to police, the videos were not isolated but part of a pattern of abuse allegedly taking place over three years.
Six victims have come forward so far, with prosecutors indicating that more may soon speak out.
The State had opposed bail, arguing that the serious nature of the crimes and the public anger around the case made it unsafe to release the accused.
Prosecutors also said he had been positively identified in an identity parade. But the defence pushed back, warning that continued detention would harm his wife and children.
Zanzou nightclub director Neo Moela has also been under the spotlight. Rumours circulated that he fled South Africa following the outcry, but Moela, flanked by lawyer Zola Majavu, denied this at a press conference.
Majavu said Moela condemned the violence, was cooperating with police, and had no prior knowledge of the assaults. He said Moela would remain available should authorities deem him a person of interest.
The City of Tshwane previously said Zanzou may have been operating illegally. Moela’s legal team stated that all required paperwork had been submitted, though they didn’t directly confirm whether the nightclub had full compliance.
Kamogelo Monkwe was last seen at Zanzou
Public focus on Zanzou intensified again following the tragic death of Kamogelo Monkwe.
The 25-year-old woman was last seen at Zanzou in the early hours of 9 February 2025.
Her body was later discovered on a highway with apparent gunshot wounds and injuries that suggested torture.
A statement from police on the latest developments in Monkwe’s death has yet to surface.
Her family continues to seek answers, while public attention on Zanzou’s role in Pretoria nightlife remains high.
Authorities have not ruled out more arrests as they investigate possible links between multiple incidents involving the club.
