Patrons and the public have expressed shock following graphic videos that appear to show young men being assaulted and sexually violated at the Zanzou club in Hatfield, Pretoria.

This follows a video reportedly showing the extremely violent assault of young patrons in 2023.

Three of the victims, aged between 20 and 22, have since come forward to open criminal cases against their perpetrators.

There have also been numerous calls from the public and civil society groups for the immediate closure of the club.

A post matric celebration at a night club took an ugly turn when five young men were taken to the back room of the club for allegedly not paying their bill.

They were reportedly assaulted, stripped naked and coerced to perform sexual acts, while this as captured on video.

Eugene Nkadimeng from the MK Party Student Movement says their human rights were violated in the worst possible way.

“This is South Africa. It’s not some country that does not respect human rights, even if you did not pay a bill, you cannot be beaten or [face] such a punishment. That’s not a punishment, actually that’s a heinous act. It’s a violation of human rights. We are a country that respects the rule of law.”

Nkadimeng has called for the arrest of those responsible and the closure of the club.

“Many other hotels have come up with incidents of human rights [and] labour violations. So, that tells you that we are not as a country aware of this industry that violates human rights, that abuses workers, that abuses its own customers.”

“So imagine when a security has violated customers as they did previously. What has happened previously that you do know? If they can do that to young boys, what have they done to females? You can imagine the horrors. We want to know how far it is, how far is the progress regarding the case and actually wanting to see the men who owns this place to appear in court.”

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The video has also sent shockwaves through club patrons who had no idea of the transgressions that happen behind the dark club and loud music.

“I’m disgusted, I’m shocked, I’m appalled. I didn’t know that the club scene in Pretoria was so dirty and tainted and filthy. To think that young men and women students frequent these establishments on weekends and they are potentially exposed to drugs, to violence, under aged drinking in some cases.”

“As a member of society and as a person who frequent parties, I have now decided that I’m going to disassociate myself. I will no longer be attending any events held by that organisation. It saddens me it disgusts me and I hope the law will take its course.”

Meanwhile, the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO) is calling for justice in the matter.

Gauteng SANCO chairperson, Abram Mashishi says, “We are very flabbergasted with the incident that happened to our kids. Their humanity was undermined. I couldn’t watch all the videos. It’s undermining of human dignity. We are going to make sure that the law takes its course.”

The City of Tshwane says the Zanzou club will remain closed while they investigate compliance.

Tshwane MMC of Health, Tshegofatso Mashabela explains, “We need bylaw enforcement – to check if all these premises are compliant with our law enforcement operations. But we have not yet been exposed to the owners. So, we are calling for the real owners to come [forward]. Because we need this to be a Human Rights Commission incident. We wanted to be a standard note that there’s no lawlessness in this city. It will never open until we are satisfied with the engagements.”

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A manhunt for eight foreign nationals who are believed to be former bouncers at the club, has been launched.

Police say the family, violence, child protection and sexual investigation unit is investigating the case.

Meanwhile, the black metal doors of the club will remain closed until further notice.

PODCAST | Shock following allegations of assault and sexual abuse at Zanzou nightclub: