Zanzou bouncer astonished by charges against him

The 41-year-old Congolese man accused of being an accomplice in the Zanzou night club torture case has pleaded with the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to be released on bail, saying he needs to return to his family to help make ends meet.

The man, whose identity is kept anonymous pending further identity parades, stated through an affidavit which was read by his attorney, Advocate Nakedi Mamogobo, that he does not plan to evade authority.

“I will not compromise the safety of the public, or any particular person, or my own safety, nor will I commit any offense while I am released on bail,” reads the statement.

He adds that he is a documented foreign national in South Africa, who has a right to work or study in the country.

The suspect says he is the only breadwinner at his home where he resides with his wife and three children.

The bouncer revealed that he earns R15 000 as an employee at the night club and that he owns mobile properties to the tune of just over R200 000.

He argues that his family, which he shares a rented Sunnyside apartment with, is on the verge of being evicted and that his children face imminent suspension from school, due to financial constrains.

The suspect asked to be allowed to stay at his apartment while he undergoes trial.

“I will not try to evade my trial and I will come to court on the days directed by the honourable court until my matter is finalised. I will not attempt to influence witnesses nor destroy evidence. I will not jeopardise the objectives of the proper functioning of the criminal justice system.”

He also argues that because he has no previous convictions or outstanding warrants for his arrest, he should be allowed to go home.

The state accuses him of eight counts of compelled sexual assault and six counts of assault to cause grievous bodily harm, following viral social media videos allegedly showing him and five other bouncers from the notorious night club torturing some patrons.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying that he was even astonished and oblivious of allegations made against him. He asked for the authentification of the videos in which he allegedly appears assaulting patrons.

The state seems to reject his claims of being free from previous convictions, as it was indicated in court that he was convicted of theft last October, where he was compelled to pay a fine.

The prosecuting team will be opposing the bail, stating that the suspect is a flight risk.

It was indicated that his passport has expired and that he is in the country with only a temporary visa.

It was also revealed that letting him stay at his rented apartment isn’t in the state’s best interest, as his lease is soon coming to an end.

The accused also indicated in his statement that he fears for his safety, to which the state said it would be in his best interest to stay in custody for his protection.

The state also added he is most probably a danger to society himself, since knowledge has surface that he allegedly performed the harrowing acts against patrons at Zanzou.

Calls have been made by social media users that the owner of the notorious club also be taken in for questioning as he is deemed complicit.

Presiding Judge Mbembele remanded the case to next week Thursday, following the state’s request to be afforded more time to strengthen its case.

Gauteng NPA Spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, says one witness so far has linked the accused to the case. Written by Odirile Rabolao