Following the shocking footage from Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has expressed deep dismay and strongly condemned the disturbing videos circulating on social media, which allegedly show patrons being brutally and inhumanely treated.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Bandile Masuku, has called for the immediate closure of Zanzou Nightclub and any other establishments known to violate the rights and safety of their patrons.

In a statement, Masuku said the incident serves as a stark reminder of South Africa’s Apartheid past.

“This incident serves as a painful reminder of our apartheid past, where black men and women were subjected to torture and dehumanisation at the hands of the racist apartheid security forces. We cannot allow such atrocities to be repeated in a free and democratic South Africa.”

Masuku has also called upon the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are apprehended and brought to justice.

He added that a comprehensive investigation should be conducted into allegations of police complicity in concealing these violations and failing to act appropriately.

The committee has written to the provincial police commissioner requesting a detailed status report on the investigation.

“We will continue to monitor developments closely to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents are prevented in the future,” said Masuku.

He urged anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.

“The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety stands in solidarity with the victims of this incident and urges anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward and report to the relevant authorities,” he said.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has also strongly condemned the shocking acts of violence and called for the immediate closure of the nightclub.

“These reprehensible acts are a gross violation of the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which upholds the values of human dignity, equality, and the rule of law.

“Furthermore, businesses operating within South Africa are required to adhere to our constitutional framework, which includes the obligation to respect and promote human rights. Any establishment found to be complicit in or tolerating such heinous acts must face serious consequences. In this regard, we call for the immediate closure of Zanzou nightclub until a full and thorough investigation is concluded.”

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za