Calls grow for Zanzou to be shut down after torture videos
The Civil Society movement Not In My Name International has called for the immediate closure of the Zanzou nightclub in Hatfield, Pretoria.
This follows the surfacing of disturbing videos of torture and assault of a group of men which have been widely shared on social media.
The management of Zanzou has since published a statement in response to the videos - saying that excessive force was used on the victims by a security company and that the company has since been fired.
The establishment further denied claims the men were abused for failing to settle their bill; instead, the owners allege the victims were cell phone thieves and the publication of the videos was part of an extortion plot.
However, Not In My Name International’s Secretary-General Themba Masango described the videos as blatant disregard for human rights and dignity.
"When powerful individuals and establishments weaponize sexual offense, it has far-reaching consequences that erode the fabric of our society.
"Zanzou's statement on the matter is an indictment of their lack of respect for the law and the police force, which should have been informed of the situation.
"Given Zanzou's admission to being accessories to these heinous crimes, it's chilling to think of the other atrocities they may have subjected their predominantly young and vulnerable patrons to."
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