In mid-February 2025, Zanzou Nightclub in Hatfield, Pretoria, became the center of a significant controversy following the emergence of disturbing videos depicting severe abuse of patrons by the club’s security personnel. The footage, which rapidly circulated on social media, shows young men being stripped naked, physically assaulted, and subjected to waterboarding—a form of torture where water is poured over a cloth covering the face, inducing the sensation of drowning. In some instances, victims were forced into degrading acts, including sexual assault. These incidents reportedly occurred in response to allegations of unpaid bills or theft within the establishment.
The management of Zanzou Nightclub has acknowledged the incidents, stating that upon becoming aware of these “practices,” they conducted an immediate investigation, resulting in the dismissal of the security personnel involved. They have since outsourced their security services to a registered and compliant company operating under South African laws. Additionally, the club is exploring legal action against the former security employee responsible for the documented abuses.
The owner of Zanzou Nightclub is identified as Stephane Cohen, a French national residing in South Africa. Cohen also owns several other popular nightlife venues, including Babel Restaurant in Menlyn, which faced scrutiny in 2024 for alleged worker exploitation. Investigations revealed that employees at Babel were underpaid, with some earning as little as R150 per shift, far below the national minimum wage.
In response to the recent events at Zanzou, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has directed Gauteng police to locate and apprehend the suspects involved in the assaults. He described the actions depicted in the videos as “inhumane, barbaric, unacceptable, and degrading.” Masemola has urged victims and witnesses to come forward and assist with the investigation to ensure that justice is served.
This incident has sparked widespread outrage, prompting discussions about the safety and ethical standards within South Africa’s nightlife industry. Authorities and the public alike are calling for stringent measures to prevent such abuses in the future and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
In response to the recent violent incident at Zanzou nightclub in Hatfield, Pretoria, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have taken a firm stance.
While there hasn’t been a direct statement from EFF leader Julius Malema, the party’s Tshwane region has been vocal. They are calling for the immediate closure of Zanzou nightclub pending a thorough investigation into the alleged torture of individuals accused of cellphone theft. Disturbing videos have surfaced online, depicting extreme violence within the establishment. Three victims have since reported the assault to the Brooklyn police station. The EFF’s demand underscores their commitment to addressing issues of violence and ensuring justice for the affected individuals.