Three of the five young men who were assaulted and tortured at a nightclub in Pretoria have opened a case after a video of the incident emerged. This comes after the police made a plea for the victims to come forward. The police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects who are believed to be foreign nationals in the incident that took place in January 2023.

HARASSMENT 

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said following a call by the SAPS for victims to come forward, three victims aged 20, 21 and 22 opened a case at the Brooklyn police station last night. The police are also calling on a man who claims to be a former bouncer at the popular Zanzou Club who goes by the name of Pablo on social media to come forward to assist in the police investigations. "Pablo has made numerous allegations, and police are of the view that he would be instrumental in assisting police to solve this case," said Mathe. She added that the victims were a group of five friends who were at the club to celebrate their matric results when the incident took place. "The bouncers and manager allegedly forced the five victims into a storeroom and began assaulting them, instructed them to insert alcohol bottles into their private parts, and forced them to perform sexual acts on themselves," said Mathe. She said police are confident that the other two victims will be traced and their statements will also be included in the docket.

Five young men were tortured at the Zanzou night club in Pretoria

CHARGES

The police are investigating cases of compelled rape, assault, crimen injuria, intimidation, and kidnapping. Mathe confirmed that the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit responsible for sexual-related offences has taken over investigations. Those who know the whereabouts of the suspects are encouraged to report to the Brooklyn police station or call the Crime Stop Hotline number at 0860010111.

CLUB MANAGEMENT CLAIMS TO HAVE DEALT WITH THE MATTER

Meanwhile, the club's management issued a statement confirming the incident and claiming that the necessary precautions were exercised from their side. "Zanzou Management is aware of the circulation of disturbing historical videos that depict security personnel employing excessive and violent force in response to incidents of phone theft by the individuals therein. At the time when management became aware of these practices, an immediate investigation was conducted, which resulted in the immediate halting of such as well as the dismissal of security personnel responsible for the perpetration thereof," the club statement said. The club added that they are exploring their legal options around the conduct of a former security employee who was responsible for these practices and was thus able to document them on video.