Police officials have confirmed the arrest of a 41-year-old Congolese national linked to a horrific sexual abuse and torture case at the Zanzou Club in Pretoria.
The arrest occurred on February 20, 2025, after patrol officers from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) noticed the suspect in an area known for its nightlife.
It is reported that the officers identified him as resembling one of the bouncers from alarming videos that had been circulating widely on social media.
Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, Gauteng's provincial commissioner, reported that the suspect was stopped during the patrols and apprehended upon confirmation of his identity.
“They stopped the man, and upon satisfying themselves that indeed he was the one they had seen on the videos, they placed him under arrest and detained him at a police station. Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences officers were immediately notified. The suspect has for now been charged with compelled rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and crimen injuria. He is being linked with the two cases that have been registered at the Brooklyn police station. The suspect, a Congolese national aged 41 years old, will appear before a court to be determined on Monday, 24 February 2025.”
The case adds to a growing list of allegations against the club, where earlier reports from three victims, aged 20, 21, and 22, emerged, detailing encounters of sexual assault, kidnapping, and assault.
In response to the list of allegations, the Gauteng Liquor Board has also suspended the nightclub’s liquor license, following extensive investigations revealing severe non-compliance and violations of local laws.
The suspension, grounded in sections 106(5) and 117(1) of the relevant Act, was prompted by videos that surfaced, depicting monstrous acts of ill-treatment and sexual abuse purportedly involving employees and patrons of the establishment.
Furthermore, an investigation launched by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane uncovered that the nightclub has been operating illegally, zoned as a Category 1 business, which prohibits it from functioning as a nightclub under the City of Tshwane’s zoning regulations. This revelation raised critical concerns about the establishment's adherence to local business and safety laws.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) condemned the incidents depicted in the disturbing videos, affirming that they infringe upon the victims’ rights to dignity and bodily integrity.
The Commission revealed that it has opened its own investigation, seeking to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to thoroughly investigate this matter.
“As part of the investigation, the Commission will meet with the South African Police Service to engage them on the need to put adequate resources to investigate this matter. The Commission calls on the victims and other people who may have witnessed what occurred at the establishment to contact the SAPS and the Commission.”
“The Commission will robustly engage with the owner of the establishment on detailed steps they have taken upon being aware of the incident, on why a case was not opened with the SAPS, as reported, as part of his managerial responsibility to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, and on the institutional culture that might have led to this inhuman incident.”
Furthermore, the SAHRC indicated that it would engage with the owner of the club to ascertain what actions were taken upon learning of the incidents, particularly why no immediate case was opened with the SAPS.
The ZanZou Club has become the centre of controversy this week, shrouded in allegations of rampant violence and abuse as shocking evidence continues to surface.
Saturday Star