Police launch manhunt for Zanzou abusers

The police have launched a manhunt for those involved in the abuse and sexual assault of a group of young men at a popular Pretoria nightclub, Zanzou.

The viral video of the harrowing abuse of the young men, accused of stealing cellphones, has sparked public anger.

WARNING: Some readers might find the visuals, below, upsetting.

 

 

The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, is urging the victims of the incident to open a case at the Brooklyn Police Station, which is in the jurisdiction of the said establishment.

If they are far, they are also encouraged to open the case at any nearest police station, wherein the case will be later transferred to Brooklyn.

“The police are at this stage looking at various offences that have been committed including assault, assault GBH, crimen injuria, and kidnapping. The actions depicted in the video also contravene the POPIA Act in which they displayed and distributed the faces and bodily features of the victims,” says the General Masemola.

He has also assured South Africans that no stone will be left unturned in bringing the culprits to book.

“The Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has since instructed the District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major General Thine to conduct a site visit to the establishment to source more information and evidence. A compliance inspection of the establishment will also unfold.”

Joining calls on social media for the establishment to be shutdown,  the South African Youth Council (SAYC) Tshwane has slammed the incident as a dangerous, harmful disregard for human rights.

“It is clear that Zanzou’s management and security protocols are grossly inadequate and have allowed such behaviour to take place. The incident is unacceptable, and we denounce any establishment that resorts to such brutal and inhumane treatment of its patrons.”

The organisation also demands a full and transparent investigation into the matter.

“We will also take action ourselves to ensure that this place is shut down if the authorities fail to do so in a timely manner. SAYC Tshwane extends its support to the victims of this appalling incident and encourages them to report the matter to the authorities and seek legal recourse. We are committed to advocating for a safe and respectful environment for all citizens and will continue to monitor this situation closely.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters want the owner of the club arrested.

The EFF’s Statement on the Brutal Murder of Imam Muhsin Hendricks in Gqeberha

-Imam Hendricks was a beloved activist for the LGBTQIA+ individuals within the Muslim community, and led programmes to help Muslims with their sexuality and strengthen their faith in Islam. We, as the… pic.twitter.com/oZClz1tseI

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 17, 2025

Zanzou’s management says the security officials behind the incident were fired after an internal probe.

It claims that it now has a security company that adheres to the country’s laws and regulations.

According to the establishment, the former security officer, who was behind the young men’s abuse, had captured the footage in a bid to extort the business.

Not even the police are allowed to torture people and foreigners at Zanzou Club are doing it on our own land

Water boarding our people!!!

I don’t think we are angry enough as South African 🤧🤧 pic.twitter.com/RDvEc11LD9

— ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) February 17, 2025

Stephane Cohen must be deported back to France, his Zanzou liquor license and citizenship revoked, and blacklisted from entering South Africa. pic.twitter.com/Bk97E67HAJ

— Mbuso P Siera (@mbuso_siera) February 17, 2025

Boycotting and distancing yourself from Zanzou alone is not enough.

You need to boycott Louis, Montana, Opera, Sumo, Coco, Goldbar, Souk, Moloko, Drama, Babel and Uncle Faouzi’s. All those entities are owned or co-owned by Stephan and/or Rani.

— ling (@_BeingNaledi) February 17, 2025