The management of Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria has distanced itself from a series of disturbing videos circulating on social media, which depict extreme acts of violence, humiliation, and sexual abuse allegedly committed against patrons.
WARNING: The third-party footage contained in this article is not suitable for sensitive viewers. Some of the videos circulating online were too graphic to include in this article and we discourage anyone from sharing the material any further. Viewers’ discretion is strongly advised.
Zanzou nightclub under fire over disturbing abuse videos
The footage shows multiple men being subjected to severe abuse, including being beaten, waterboarded, and forced into degrading sexual acts.
In one of the videos, a man—purportedly the owner of the club—is seen stabbing victims while issuing threats. Reports suggest the incidents allegedly occurred at Zanzou after patrons failed to settle their bills.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has called on any victims of the alleged abuse to come forward and report their experiences at the Brooklyn police station.
However, as of now, police records indicate that no formal charges have been laid, and no docket exists regarding the matter.
Zanzou nightclub addresses the allegations
Zanzou’s management has confirmed that the events did take place at their establishment but claims the incidents are over three years old. They have shifted the blame onto a former security company, which they allege used excessive force against suspected cellphone thieves.
In an official statement, the nightclub’s management condemned the actions seen in the videos, asserting that they had taken immediate steps to halt such practices when they first became aware of them.
“At the time when management became aware of the practices, an immediate investigation was conducted in the immediate halting of such as well as the dismissal of security personnel responsible,” the statement read.
The nightclub further clarified that it no longer employs the security company allegedly involved and has since outsourced its security services to a fully registered and compliant firm operating under South African law.
Additionally, Zanzou denies claims that the victims in the videos were punished for failing to pay their bills, stating that this narrative is false and misleading.
Despite Zanzou’s attempts to distance itself from the scandal, outrage over the videos has continued to grow. The footage has sparked widespread condemnation, with social media users calling for investigations into the club’s management and practices.
Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the incidents to come forward, while Zanzou maintains that it is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure compliance with the law.
As of now, no suspects have been arrested, and the police investigation remains ongoing.
