By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@zanzoupretoria/ X.
Three victims of sexual assault and torture at Zanzou night club in Pretoria have came forward to report their ordeal at the Brooklyn police station.
The victims came forward shortly after authorities appealed to them to open cases so that the perpetrators could be brought to book.
Speaking to the media outside Brooklyn police station, provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that the victims have opened the cases.
Mthombeni, said the videos were reportedly recorded in 2023.
On Monday, several social media posts alleged the establishment was behind the torture of a group of men who failed to settle their bill.
In the videos, the men are forced to perform lewd sexual acts on themselves using their hands and objects. In another instance, a grey cloth is placed over their heads before they are drenched in water – a torture technique known as waterboarding.
There were widespread calls for police involvement, and the club management said the videos were being used to exploit the business owners.
The establishment also attributed the abuse to a security company it claims it has since fired.
In a statement, Zanzou said an immediate investigation had been conducted, resulting in the dismissal of the security employee responsible for the abuse.
“In line with our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment, we have since outsourced our security services to a fully registered and compliant security company that operates strictly in accordance with South African laws and regulations. We have also instructed that our staff comply with the law and SAPS in bringing thieves to book, “the statement read.
The club also said it was exploring legal action against the former security employee.
Meanwhile, The Economic Freedom Fighters have called for the arrest of the club owner, Stephane Cohen, and demanded the establishment be shut down.
“Such abhorrent behaviour cannot be tolerated in a society that prides itself on upholding human dignity and justice. The EFF strongly believes that there is no reason whatsoever, to justify the dehumanization of other people like that,” said the party’s Gauteng chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga.