SAPS has launched a manhunt for suspects involved in alleged abuse at Zanzou nightclub. Picture: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said it was aware of the troubling videos circulating on social media, in which men are subjected to humiliation and sexual abuse at the Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria.
The commission added that the conduct revealed in the clips from Zanzou violate the victims' right to dignity and physical integrity.
"The Commission can confirm that its Gauteng Provincial Office has opened an own accord investigation in line with Complaints Handling Procedure," the SAHRC said.
"As part of the investigation, the Commission will meet with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to engage them on the need to put adequate resources to investigate this matter. The Commission calls on the victims and other people who may have witnessed what occurred at the establishment to contact the SAPS and the Commission."
The SAHRC said that it would engage with the establishment's owner on the specific steps they took after becoming aware of the incident, why a case was not opened with the police, as reported, as part of his managerial responsibility to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, and the institutional culture that may have contributed to this inhuman incident.
"The Commission acknowledges public outrage and interest in this shocking matter. At the same time, the Commission strongly urges the public to refrain from sharing or forwarding images and videos depicting violence or abuse on social media platforms. Such actions may constitute serious offences under South African law," it said.
"Similarly, Section 24E of the Films and Publications Amendment Act 11 of 2019 criminalises the knowing distribution of private sexual photographs and films without the prior consent of the individuals depicted, with the intent to cause them harm. It is imperative to understand that even forwarding such content, without originating it, can lead to criminal liability."
Police in Gauteng launched a manhunt for security officials who were working at the nightclub after the videos emerged.
IOL reported on Monday night that three victims who were allegedly assaulted at the Pretoria nightclub reported at the Brooklyn police station.
Provincial commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said investigations have so far established that the incidents happened around 2023.
"We (learned) that these incidents happened somewhere in 2023. We must clearly indicate that this incident constitutes some type of compelled rape, and it is not excluded from sexual assault to force individuals to perform sexual acts; assault GHB; crimen injuria and kidnapping," Mthombeni said during an update with journalists at the police station.
He added that different law enforcement agencies have activated measures to ensure compliance at the popular Pretoria joint.
Police are also calling on more victims to come forward.
"Witnesses and those who have knowledge of the incident are also encouraged to come forward to assist police investigations," said national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Meanwhile, Wendy Alberts, chief executive officer of the Restaurants Association of South Africa (RASA) said in her decades of involvement in the restaurants sector, she had not seen anything close to the torture unleashed at the Zanzou nightclub.
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