Pretoria’s nightclub Zanzou is trending after alleged videos of the joint’s bouncers torturing patrons flooded online.
In some of the now-viral videos, which have since drawn the attention of activists and political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), patrons were seen being assaulted and coerced into humiliating sexual activities.
POLICE CONFIRM TORTURE INCIDENTS, INVESTIGATIONS UNDERWAY
Reports have it that the incident happened after the patrons were accused of stealing cell phones at the popular nightclub.
The police have since confirmed that they are tracking down the suspects accused of assaulting patrons.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe made it known that the police condemn the alleged abuse and urged victims to come forward.
According to General Fannie Masemola, the police are investigating several potential offences committed at Zanzou.
“The police are at this stage looking at various offences that have been committed, including assault, assault GBH, crimen injuria, and kidnapping,” the police noted.
On the other hand, Zanzou released a statement addressing the highly graphic videos.
The club noted that it was aware of the shocking videos and had dealt with the matter beforehand by dismissing the security personnel allegedly responsible for the abuse.
“At the time when management became aware of these practices, an immediate investigation was conducted, which resulted in the immediate halting of such as well as the dismissal of security personnel responsible,” reads part of the statement.
Zanzou also noted an investigation has since been launched against the bouncers.
‘THE CLAIM THAT I AM THE ‘OWNER’ OF ZANZOU IS CATEGORICALLY FALSE’: STEPHANE COHEN
Stephane Cohen, who is the nightclub’s rumoured owner, released a statement denying ownership claims.
He has been linked to the joint in recent years, with Cohen’s alleged LinkedIn account confirming this.
Part of the press release noted, “However, I must also address the false and dangerous misinformation being spread about me. The claim that I am the ‘owner’ of Zanzou is categorically false.”
However, Stephane Cohen added, “Many years ago, I was a silent strategic partner in business investment, but I have had no role – operational, managerial, or otherwise – in the nightclub for years. I have not set foot in Zanzou in a very long time.”
SA REACTS
The press release has since undoubtedly left Mzansi trying to connect the dots about the nightclub’s owner. Patrons aware of the situation have since flooded online, dragging several names into the mix.
An X user, @BukamuT, posted, ‘Steve thought he was flexing by listing himself as the owner of those clubs in his LinkedIn profile. Manje seziyakhala naye sekhala.”
Another user, @JoeFerg58678029, alleged that “The Moloko Group is run by Allen and his younger brother Rani in PTA. They run Moloko, Zanzou, Drama Hatfield, Babel, Uncle Fousey, etc.
“They are in silent partnerships with Stephen on some of these establishments. I doubt that Stephen even goes to Zanzou.”
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