A 41-year-old Congolese national linked to the Zanzou nightclub attack made his first appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court yesterday, facing eight counts of compelled sexual assault and six counts of assault with grievous bodily harm.

A SUSPECT OF NOTE

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana explained that the charges emanate from two case dockets opened against the accused for incidents from 2022 and 2023. "It is alleged that in April 2022, the accused assaulted the two victims in the matter. In a separate incident in January 2023, it is alleged the accused compelled four male persons to perform sexual acts on themselves," she said. Mahanjana said the man was linked to the incidents through videos that surfaced on social media, which resulted in six complainants opening cases against the accused. "In court, the matter was postponed to 03 March 2025 for bail information. Investigations are ongoing; more charges might be added."

DEADLINE SET FOR ARRESTS

The deputy national commissioner responsible for policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, had said the police have set a deadline on the progress of the case, and the provincial commissioner expects constant updates with new developments. "There has been one person that has been taken in so far. We can positively confirm one arrest. We are still looking for others. The provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has put aside time to monitor; he is reporting from time to time on the progress that we are making. Because we are around here in Pretoria, when required, we do come and assist," said Mosikili.