Zanzou Nightclub Assault: Police Investigate Compelled Rape and Torture Allegations

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The police are investigating a slew of charges, including compelled rape, assault, crimen injuria, intimidation, and kidnapping, in connection with allegations of assault and compelled rape at Zanzou bar and lounge in Pretoria. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is handling the case, and at least eight people are being sought in connection with the allegations. The incident allegedly occurred in January 2023, when a dispute arose between a group of five friends, bouncers, and the manager of the nightclub, resulting in the friends being forced into a store room and subjected to physical and sexual abuse.

The victims, aged 20, 21, and 22, reported the incident at the Brooklyn police station on Monday evening, and police are confident that the other two victims will be traced and their statements will also be included in the docket. The allegations include forced insertion of alcohol bottles into the victims' private parts and being instructed to perform sexual acts on themselves. The police are also looking for a former bouncer, known as Pablo on social media, who is believed to have information that could assist in solving the case. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has condemned the "shocking and deeply disturbing acts of violence, torture, and dehumanisation" and called for the immediate closure of the nightclub until a full and thorough investigation is concluded.

A timeline of events is being pieced together, with the incident allegedly occurring in January 2023 and the video of the assault emerging online in February 2024. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward and report to the Brooklyn police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The management of Zanzou bar and lounge has acknowledged the circulation of the video and stated that an immediate investigation was conducted, resulting in the dismissal of the security personnel involved and the outsourcing of security services to a fully registered security company. The investigation is ongoing, with the police considering charges of assault, grievous bodily harm, crimen injuria, and kidnapping.

Some of the key points in the case include: * The incident allegedly occurred in January 2023 * Three victims have come forward to report the incident * At least eight people are being sought in connection with the allegations * The police are considering charges of assault, grievous bodily harm, crimen injuria, and kidnapping * The management of Zanzou bar and lounge has acknowledged the circulation of the video and taken steps to address the incident. The National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has directed the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng to track down and identify the suspects involved in the assault, and a compliance inspection of the nightclub is set to take place.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for justice to be served. The organisation Not in My Name has expressed sadness over the incident and is calling for justice to be served. The police have vowed to dedicate all necessary resources to investigate the case thoroughly and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the incident at Zanzou bar and lounge is a serious and disturbing case of violence and abuse, and it is essential that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.