Foreign nationals wanted in Zanzou torture, abuse case
The South African Police Services (SAPS) have launched a manhunt for eight foreign national suspects in connection with the violent attack at the Zanzou nightclub in Hatfield.
The suspects are facing charges of compelled rape, assault, crimen injuria, intimidation and kidnapping.
This follows disturbing viral videos of torture and assault of a group of men which have been widely shared on social media.
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.
Three victims aged 20, 21, and 22 have since opened a case at the Brooklyn police station on Monday evening.
Police report that according to the victims, they were part of a group of five friends who were subjected to abuse.
Police say they are confident that the other two victims will be traced and their statements will also be included in the docket.
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The victims allege that the incident happened in January 2023, when there was a dispute between the five friends, bouncers, and a manager at the nightclub.
According to police, the bouncers and manager allegedly forced the five victims into a storeroom and began assaulting them, instructing them to insert alcohol bottles into their private parts and forcing them to perform sexual acts on themselves.
Law enforcement is calling on a man who claims to be a former bouncer of the nightclub who goes by the name of Pablo on social media, to assist with the investigations after he vowed to do so.
Pablo has made numerous allegations and police are of the view that he would be instrumental in assisting officials to solve the case.
Those who know the whereabouts of the suspects are encouraged to report to the Brooklyn police station.
“The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has commended the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni and his team for the speed in which they have attended to this case. General Fannie Masemola is satisfied with the level of response and assures the victims that police will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted to ensure perpetrators are brought to book,” adds SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.
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