DailySun
Cape Town – The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development in Parliament has called for the arrest of the owners of Zanzou nightclub to ensure they are held accountable.
The committee expressed “extreme concern” regarding the disturbing video footage circulating on social media that showcases incidents occurring at ZanZou nightclub in Pretoria.
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On Tuesday (18 February 2025), Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, stated his dismay over the videos appearing on social media related to the nightclub incidents.
“The footage reveals significant abuse targeted towards black men,” Nqola noted.
“ZanZou management, however, asserts that the videos are outdated and part of an extortion scheme orchestrated by one of their security staff.
“They reported the hiring of new security personnel and expressed their commitment to working in cooperation with law enforcement.”
Nqola pressed the management of ZanZou as to why they had not filed a police report upon initially learning of the incidents.
He urged law enforcement to take action based on more than just social media footage and the information presented to them.
“Such abuses frequently occur in several white-owned and foreign-owned nightclubs across the nation,” Nqola remarked.
“No patrons aim to confront the events being recorded and circulated.
“If accountability requires the arrest of the managers and owners of the establishment, that must be executed.”
Nqola also emphasized that, aside from the exploitation of foreign nationals at many of these venues, there is a significant level of abuse faced by impoverished South Africans who are genuinely trying to earn a living.
“ZanZou’s response does little to clarify what many view as an ongoing issue and a mere extortion attempt by one of their security employees,” said Nqola.
“We urge the Human Rights Commission to step in and engage with those affected and the alleged extortionists.
“Numerous underlying issues need exploration beyond what is immediately apparent.
“Nightclub venues seem to thrive on illicit activities that continue unabated without intervention.”
