In a highly anticipated court appearance, a 41-year-old male suspect from Congo, stood before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today, facing serious allegations of torture and assault. The charges stem from incidents at Zanzou nightclub in Hatfield, Pretoria, where patrons were reportedly attacked.
His identity remains undisclosed as legal proceedings continue. He faces multiple charges related to widely circulated video evidence.
The suspect was arrested on Thursday, 20 February, by Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers during a routine patrol in Yeoville. The officers recognized him from viral footage showing the assaults at the nightclub. After confirming his identity, they arrested him and took him to a local police station.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili stated, “The JMPD officials recognized the man from the videos depicting incidents at Hatfield Club.”
He faces eight counts of compelled sexual assault and six counts of assault with intent to cause serious harm. The charges stem from two incidents: one in April 2022, where two men allege assault at a nightclub, and another in January 2023, where four men claim they were coerced into performing sexual acts on themselves.
During his first court appearance, the suspect, via his attorney, alleged police torture following his arrest, asserting that he was assaulted without any visible injuries.
Lumka Mahanjana from the National Prosecuting Authority responded,
He mentioned through his attorney that police assaulted him, but he also stated there are no visible injuries to support his claims. The state will look into this, but it doesn’t mean the charges will be dropped.
The court has adjourned the case until next Monday,03 March, for further investigations, including verification of the suspect’s asylum status by the Department of Home Affairs. He will remain in custody until then.
Outside the courthouse, members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party demanded that bail be denied to the accused. MK Party Tshwane representative Abel Tau emphasized the importance of monitoring the case’s progress.
The police are still searching for seven additional suspects linked to the events at Zanzou nightclub. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information to assist in the investigation.
This case has attracted significant public interest due to the disturbing nature of the videos and the seriousness of the allegations. The upcoming court proceedings are expected to provide more clarity about the events at the nightclub and the involvement of the accused and other suspects.
