Pretoria’s Zanzou nightclub is making headlines for all the wrong reasons after videos surfaced online showing shocking scenes of patrons being assaulted and humiliated by the club’s security staff.
The footage has gone viral, igniting widespread outrage across South Africa. Activists, political parties, and even ordinary citizens are calling for justice after the disturbing videos prompted investigations into what’s being described as a gross violation of human rights.
The videos, which have now gained significant attention on social media, show patrons allegedly being subjected to severe physical abuse and coerced into disturbing acts. The footage suggests that the victims were accused of stealing cell phones, with the nightclub’s bouncers taking matters into their own hands.
The viral nature of the clips quickly sparked a storm of condemnation, drawing in various political groups, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who have spoken out against the abuse.
The police have confirmed that they are actively investigating the incident. According to National Police Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the authorities strongly condemn any form of abuse and are urging any victims to come forward.
“The police are looking into multiple offenses,” said General Fannie Masemola. “These include assault, grievous bodily harm (GBH), crimen injuria, and kidnapping.”
Authorities are determined to bring those responsible for these shocking acts to justice.
In a statement, Zanzou nightclub acknowledged the viral videos and expressed its horror over the incidents. The club revealed that upon becoming aware of the allegations, management took immediate action by dismissing the security personnel involved and halting the abusive practices.
“We conducted a swift investigation when the management became aware of these practices, resulting in the dismissal of the security staff responsible,” the statement read. The nightclub also confirmed that further investigations are underway regarding the actions of the bouncers.
Stephane Cohen, a businessman often linked to Zanzou, has come forward to deny claims that he owns the nightclub. The rumors, fueled by Cohen’s previous connections to the club and a now-deleted LinkedIn profile, led many to assume he was the owner.
However, Cohen was quick to release a statement refuting the claims, saying, “The suggestion that I am the ‘owner’ of Zanzou is categorically false.” He clarified that many years ago, he had been a silent partner with a strategic investment role, but has not been involved in the nightclub’s operations for years. “I have not set foot in Zanzou for a very long time,” Cohen added.
The statement from Cohen has left South Africans buzzing with questions, as they try to piece together the true ownership structure of the nightclub. While Cohen has distanced himself from Zanzou, some patrons and social media users are suggesting alternative connections.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) posted, “Steve thought he was flexing by listing himself as the owner of those clubs in his LinkedIn profile. Now look at what’s happening.” Another user alleged that the Moloko Group, which owns several other Pretoria hotspots, is involved in silent partnerships with Cohen. According to @JoeFerg58678029,
“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.”
As investigations into the Zanzou incident continue, South Africans are demanding accountability. The viral videos have not only drawn attention to the nightclub’s disturbing practices but have also sparked broader conversations about safety and respect in public spaces.
With the police closing in on those responsible, the public is awaiting answers. The call for justice is only growing louder, as South Africans express their shock and outrage over the abuse that unfolded at the notorious Pretoria nightclub.
Main Image: Zanzou
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