Police have launched a manhunt for 8 people implicated in torture and sexual assault at Club ZanZou in Pretoria.
The police investigation follows a public outcry triggered by a viral video depicting men presumed to be bouncers and managers of the club forcing a group of people to insert liquor bottles into their buttocks.
Victims of the attack are alleged to have failed to settle their bills at the upmarket establishment known to be pricey and notorious for spiking patrons drinks.
The club has since tried to distance itself from the accusations, stating that the guards caught on video were dismissed when the incident came to light.
The statement did not indicate when the attack took place or whether there were more victims, sparking claims of an attempt at a cover-up.
Police have called on victims of the abuse to come forward and lay criminal charges.
The EFF held overnight demonstrations outside the establishment demanding it be shutdown while investigations continue.
“We are outside Zanzou Hatfield, it’s the year of picket lines. The EFF are saying NO to Human Rights violation !!!!!!!!! We are here demanding accountability for this matter,” said EFF Tshwane regional chairperson Obakeng Ramabodu.
The EFF in Gauteng also called for the arrest of Stephane Cohen, the owner of Zanzou Club, and demands that the premises be shutdown immediately.
Ramabodu said there could be more to the story.
“That Zanzou must explain more of this allegations, we can’t have such things happening then we kept quiet,” said Ramabodu.
The African Transformation Movement also added its voice demanding swift justice for the victims.
“ATM calls for the immediate closure of the Zanzou establishment, which has been victimising South Africans and dehumanising them. We demand a thorough investigation into nightclubs such as this one, focusing not only on brutality but also on drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and other criminal activities that facilitate these heinous acts,” said ATM in a statement.
A social media campaign with #ShutdownZanZou is meanwhile gaining momentum with users wanting action against owners of the club.
Cohen has been linked to other dodgy clubs before but have seemingly evaded scrutiny with some believing he was bribing local police officers.