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Congolese National Faces Multiple Charges for Horrific Abuse at Pretoria Nightclub
A 41-year-old Congolese national appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing eight counts of compelled sexual assault and six counts of assault with grievous bodily harm.
The man is allegedly linked to a horrific case of sexual abuse and torture that took place at Zanzou Club in Pretoria, shocking the community and sparking widespread outrage.
According to Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the assaults occurred in two separate incidents. In April 2022, the accused allegedly assaulted two victims. In January 2023, the man is accused of compelling four male individuals to perform sexual acts on themselves.
The assaults came to light after disturbing videos surfaced on social media, showing the men being hogtied, beaten, submerged in water, and forced to insert beer bottles into their private parts. The footage, which went viral, provoked horror and condemnation from across the country.
So far, three victims, aged 20, 21, and 22, have laid charges against the suspect. However, investigations are ongoing, and more victims are expected to come forward.
The case has been postponed to March 3, 2025, for further information on bail. Mahanjana confirmed that additional charges could be added as the investigation continues.
The suspect was arrested on February 20, 2025, following a tip-off. Officers from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spotted a man resembling one of the bouncers from the videos in a known nightlife area.
Prior to his arrest, the South African Police Service had launched a manhunt for the eight foreign nationals believed to be involved in the abuse.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) condemned the abuse shown in the videos, stating that the acts violated the victims’ rights to dignity and bodily integrity. The Commission has opened its own investigation into the matter and is calling for proper resources to ensure a thorough investigation.
“The Commission will meet with the South African Police Service to discuss the allocation of sufficient resources for this investigation,” said the SAHRC. “We also intend to engage with the owner of the establishment on why a case was not initially opened with the SAPS and the steps taken upon becoming aware of the incident.”
The SAHRC has urged any witnesses or further victims to come forward and report the incidents to the police or the Commission.
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