By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The court case against a 41-year-old Congolese national arrested in connection with the Zanzou night club assault in Pretoria has been postponed to 3 March.
The 41-year-old Congolese national briefly appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
During Monday’s proceedings, the man claimed he was tortured by police following his arrest last Thursday.
At least five victims have come forward after the viral distribution of several videos on social media.
The suspect stood in the dock with his face hidden behind a black mask.
The media has been barred from identifying the man pending the holding of a second identity parade.
Speaking through his lawyer, the man alleged he was tortured by police, though he confirmed that he has no obvious injuries.
The Congolese national faces eight counts of compelled sexual assault and six counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The matter was postponed to next Monday so that the Department of Home Affairs could verify the suspects’ asylum papers.
He will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
Meanwhile the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said it will investigate the actions taken by Zanzou management once they became aware of violent videos showing a group of men being assaulted.
The commission has also called on the victims and other people who may have witnessed what occurred at the establishment to contact the SAPS and the commission.