Another delay in case against Zanzou accused

The 41-year-old was arrested in February this year following the widespread sharing of videos in which he was allegedly part of a group of club bouncers who assaulted a group of young men.

READ: Suspect in Zanzou attack alleges police torture

The matter was postponed at his previous court appearance because the state had yet to conduct another identity parade.

It emerged in court that the parade had still not been held.

The media has been barred from revealing his identity.

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court also heard on Friday that the accused was a Congolese national with a temporary asylum permit who has been living in the country since 2011.

He said that prior to his arrest, he was employed as a general worker and bouncer at the club, earning R15,000 monthly.

The accused supports his wife and three children as the sole breadwinner in his home.

According to his lawyer, the man underwent a section 24 interview, which may result in him being granted permanent residence.

While the state opposed his release on bail because he is a flight risk, his lawyer, Nakedi Mamagobo, said his client does not intend to jeopardise his chances of gaining permanent residency in South Africa.

The National Prosecuting Authority’s Lumka Mahanjana explained why the state opposed bail.

“In their affidavit, they said that he wants to be released on bail because he has a family that he takes care of and that he needs to continue to provide for his family. However, the state opposed his release on bail because we said that he is a flight risk, as we indicated that he doesn’t have a passport, and also, he indicated to the investigating officer that he feared for his life.”

The man faces eight counts of compelled sexual assault and six counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm emanating from two dockets opened after seven complainants filed criminal complaints following the publication of the videos.