Zanzou
By Karabo Marifi
Pretoria, 24 February 2025 – Zanzou Assault Case: Accused Says Police Stole R8,000, Court Adjourns Until March 3. A 41-year-old Congolese man, arrested in connection with the shocking torture and assault scandal at Pretoria’s Zanzou nightclub, has accused police of torturing him and confiscating R8,000 in cash without a valid reason. Appearing briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 February 2025, the man – whose identity is protected by a court order – claimed his body ached but was denied medical attention because his bruises weren’t visible. The case, highlighting grave human rights abuses at the nightclub, has been postponed to 3 March 2025 for a bail investigation, as police continue hunting for seven more suspects.
Introduction: A Shocking Case Unfolds
The Zanzou nightclub assault case has gripped South Africa, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about safety, justice, and human rights. On Monday, 24 February 2025, a Congolese national made his first court appearance in Pretoria, facing eight counts of compelled sexual assault and six counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm – with more charges possibly looming. But the hearing took a dramatic turn when the accused alleged police tortured him during his arrest in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on 20 February 2025, and stole R8,000 in cash. This article unpacks the court proceedings, the nightclub scandal, and what’s next, drawing from news reports, X posts, and fresh insights to keep you informed.
The Court Appearance: A Brief but Explosive Hearing
The 41-year-old man, neatly dressed and wearing a face mask, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning. A court order prevents his name from being published, but the allegations against him stem from disturbing viral videos showing bouncers at Zanzou nightclub in Hatfield, Pretoria, torturing and sexually assaulting patrons. The videos, which surfaced on 17 February 2025, depict young men being waterboarded, forced to perform explicit acts on themselves, and physically abused – acts described as “barbaric and degrading” by police.
The hearing was short, lasting only minutes. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana explained the postponement to 3 March 2025, saying, “The state asked for a postponement so that we can conduct a bail investigation.” The accused handed over his Home Affairs documents, but the NPA needs to verify his legal status in South Africa. Mahanjana added that more investigations are underway, with potential additional charges and suspects as more victims come forward.
But the real shock came from the accused’s claims. Through his legal representative, he alleged police assaulted him during his arrest, leaving his body aching. He said he was denied medical attention because his bruises weren’t visible. He also claimed officers confiscated R8,000 in cash without justification. Posts on X from @Newzroom405 on 24 February 2025 echoed this, noting, “The Congolese man, who is in custody for crimes related to the Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria, is claiming to have been assaulted and robbed some of his belongings and money by the police upon his arrest.”
The accused also disputed the identity parade conducted on 21 February 2025 at Pretoria Central police station, arguing he was placed with people of a different skin type and was the only one neatly dressed, potentially skewing witness identification.
The Zanzou Scandal: What the Videos Show
The scandal erupted on 17 February 2025 when graphic videos from Zanzou nightclub went viral on social media. The clips, leaked by a former bouncer identifying himself as Pablo on TikTok, show bouncers subjecting patrons to horrific torture. Men are seen naked, hogtied, waterboarded, and forced to perform sexual acts with objects like beer bottles. In one video, a man – allegedly the owner, Stephane Cohen – is seen stabbing victims in the buttocks, shouting, “Don’t move, you think we’re playing here. You’re going to die.”
Zanzou management denied the torture was over unpaid bills, claiming the victims were accused of stealing mobile phones. In a statement, the club said, “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.” However, this hasn’t quelled public outrage or stopped investigations.
Police, led by National Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola, described the acts as “barbaric and degrading,” launching probes into charges like compelled rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), crimen injuria, and kidnapping. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit took over, with Brigadier Athlenda Mathe urging victims to come forward.
By 24 February 2025, six victims had laid charges, but police are still searching for seven more suspects, including Pablo, who claims to have over 75 videos documenting the abuse. Posts on X from @ewnreporter on 24 February 2025 noted, “The man arrested in connection to the Zanzou case alleges he was ‘tortured’ by police officers,” adding complexity to an already explosive case.
Police Allegations: A Counter-Claim of Abuse
The accused’s claims of police torture and theft have added a new layer to the case. He told the court his body ached from the alleged assault during his arrest in Yeoville on 20 February 2025, but medical staff refused help because his injuries weren’t visible. He also said police confiscated R8,000 in cash, raising questions about procedure and accountability.
NPA’s Mahanjana responded cautiously, saying, “He did indicate to the court that he was beaten up by police, however, the state would need to investigate the truthfulness of these allegations.” If proven, the claims could impact the case, but Mahanjana stressed, “That will not mean the state will not proceed with the case.”
This isn’t the first time police conduct has been questioned in high-profile cases, but it’s a rare twist in the Zanzou saga. Posts on X from @AldrinSampear on 18 February 2025 suggested ongoing tension, with some users questioning whether police oversight is robust enough to handle such allegations fairly.
Legal Charges and Investigations: What’s Next?
The 41-year-old faces serious charges: eight counts of compelled sexual assault, six counts of assault with intent to cause GBH, and possibly more as investigations deepen. The NPA confirmed the case involves “two dockets” – one for four victims and another for two – with more victims emerging since the videos surfaced.
Police are intensifying efforts to find the remaining seven suspects, believed to include bouncers and possibly the club’s owner, Stephane Cohen, whom the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) demand be arrested. Cohen, however, denies ownership, claiming he’s a “silent investor” with no operational role, per his lawyer Daniel Witz. Screenshots from Cohen’s Instagram bio, however, list him as the owner, casting doubt on his claims.
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) is probing whether Zanzou’s security was legally registered, while the City of Tshwane and the Democratic Alliance (DA) question the club’s zoning, alleging it operated illegally as a nightclub. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development condemned the abuses as “gross violations” of South Africa’s Constitution, calling for Zanzou’s closure pending investigation.
Public Outrage and Political Pressure
The Zanzou case has sparked nationwide fury. The EFF protested outside the club on 17 February 2025, demanding Cohen’s arrest and the club’s shutdown, with Provincial Chairperson Nkululeko Dunga calling the acts “inhumane.” The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, via Tshwane coordinator Flora Mahlangu, plans to picket the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 3 March 2025, describing the incident as “inhumane” and urging the club’s closure.
Posts on X show mixed sentiments: some demand justice for victims, while others question the accused’s police torture claims. Trending on X, the case has fueled debates about nightclub safety, human rights, and police conduct, with many calling for systemic change.
Broader Context: Nightclub Safety and Human Rights
Zanzou’s scandal isn’t isolated. South Africa’s nightlife has faced scrutiny before, with reports of violence at clubs like Taboo Lounge in Johannesburg. But the scale of torture here – 45 videos, per Central News South Africa – is unprecedented, prompting the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to launch its own probe into Zanzou’s management actions and why abuses weren’t reported earlier.
The Constitution guarantees dignity and freedom from violence (Sections 10 and 12), making Zanzou’s actions a direct challenge to these rights. Critics argue the club’s initial response – blaming a “historical” security team – feels like a dodge, while others question why such abuses went unchecked for years, as Pablo claimed on TikTok.
What’s at Stake on 3 March 2025
The postponement to 3 March 2025 sets the stage for a critical hearing. The NPA will investigate the accused’s bail application, his legal status, and police conduct allegations. More victims and suspects could emerge, potentially expanding charges. The MK Party’s planned picket signals political pressure, while Zanzou’s legal battles – over zoning, security, and liability – could reshape Pretoria’s nightlife.
For victims, justice remains elusive. Six have come forward, but police fear more suffered in silence. For South Africa, the case tests the balance between nightlife freedom and human rights protection, with far-reaching implications for safety and accountability.
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