Zanzou Management has publicly responded to a series of viral videos that show security staff using excessive and violent force in connection with suspected phone thefts. The disturbing footage, which many social media users have condemned as barbaric, reveals severe human rights violations, including actions resembling kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted murder. The videos depict men bound and filmed naked, with their limbs restrained.
In a statement, Zanzou Management confirmed their awareness of the videos and the alarming actions depicted within them.
“Zanzou Management is aware of the circulation of disturbing historical videos which depict security personnel employing excessive and violent force in response to incidents of phone theft by the individuals therein. At the time when management became aware of these practices, an immediate investigation was conducted which resulted in the immediate halting of such as well as the dismissal of security personnel responsible for the perpetration thereof,” the statement read.
In their commitment to ensuring a safe atmosphere for patrons, the club says it has since restructured its security operations.
“We have outsourced our security services to a fully registered and compliant security company that operates strictly in accordance with South African laws and regulations. We have also mandated that our staff adhere to legal protocols and cooperate with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in addressing theft incidents.”
While management attempts to rectify the situation, they reveal that they are also pursuing legal action against a former security employee.
The individual, identified as Mr. Herve, who the club says allegedly attempted to extort the business by threatening to release the videos unless his demands were met.
“Mr Herve has sought to unsuccessfully extort the business in lieu of withholding these videos from public release and has, as a result, formulated a dishonest narrative around the surrounding circumstances in an attempt to force the business to settle his demands. None of the videos in question are tied to patrons who failed to settle their bills. Zanzou remains steadfast in its dedication to the safety and well-being of its patrons. We are fully prepared to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in any investigations related to this matter.”
“None of the videos in question are tied to patrons who failed to settle their bills," the statement clarified.
In light of these events, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has instructed the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, to pursue suspects implicated the brutal assault.
Masemola’s directive has highlighted the gravity of the allegations as the SAPS investigates multiple offences including assault, grievous bodily harm (GBH), crimen injuria, and kidnapping.
He has also urged all victims of the abuse to step forward and seek justice, encouraging those affected to file formal complaints at the Brooklyn police station, conveniently situated within the jurisdiction of the nightclub, or at any local police station where their cases can be subsequently transferred.
Saturday Star