Zanzou nightclub director apologises for abuse, promises accountability

Zanzou nightclub director, Neo Moela, has broken his silence following weeks of speculation over his potential knowledge of the alleged torture and abuse of patrons at the Pretoria night spot.

Through his lawyer, Zola Majavu, he’s denied knowledge of the violent acts but has promised his full cooperation with ongoing investigations.

“We will allow the police to do their work, and where they need support or assistance from my client, they will get that support, obviously within reason,” said Moela’s legal representative, Majavu. 

“If the police take the view that they now regard him as a suspect, then of course his constitutional rights will kick in just like anyone else’s, but so far he’s cooperating on a voluntary basis.”

Moela, a controversial businessman, spoke out amidst growing public outcry over disturbing footage of the physical and sexual abuse of patrons at Zanzou nightclub.

The graphic videos have led to widespread condemnation, and former patrons have alleged that Moela not only knew about the abuse but sometimes directly ordered it.

In an apparent show of support, Moela was joined by his father, Joshua Moela, a prominent telecommunications executive, during the recent briefing. 

The media engagement comes at the back of a court appearance by a 41-year-old Congolese national who is facing charges related to the abuse, allegedly carried out by nightclub bouncers.

Authorities are still hunting for seven more persons of interest in the case.

The controversy surrounding Moela has deepened after former Zanzou owner, Katlego Malatji, in leaked emails, appeared to suggest that Moela was fully aware of the wrongdoing.

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Neo Moela is briefing the media. pic.twitter.com/8hdIXusIvz

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Malatji, who left the company months after the abuse at the centre of the controversy occurred in 2023, reportedly warned Moela about the risks of engaging in these alleged shady dealings. 

Moela has apologised for the violent acts inflicted on victims and their families at the club. 

The nightclub owner emphasised that he would submit himself to being held accountable if found liable for any wrongdoing.

The City of Tshwane recently revealed that Zanzou was operating illegally, as it had been zoned as a category 1 business, preventing it from operating as a nightclub.