Police Launch Manhunt for Suspects in ZanZou Bar & Lounge Incident
Police have launched a manhunt for at least eight foreign nationals suspected of involvement in a violent incident at ZanZou Bar & Lounge in Pretoria.
Mulaudzi Ndivhuwo 
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified efforts to track down at least eight foreign nationals suspected of involvement in a horrific incident at ZanZou Bar & Lounge in Pretoria. The SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit has taken over the investigation, given its expertise in handling sexual offenses.
The SAPS is investigating several serious charges in connection with the case, including:
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Compelled rape
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Assault
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Crimen injuria
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Intimidation
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Kidnapping
The case came to light after police urged victims to come forward. Three victims, aged 20, 21, and 22, have since reported the incident at the Brooklyn police station on Monday evening. They revealed that they were part of a group of five friends who were subjected to abuse, and police are actively working to locate the remaining two victims to record their statements.
The victims allege that the incident took place in January 2023 following a dispute between their group, nightclub bouncers, and the club manager. According to their statements, they were forcibly taken to a storeroom, where they were assaulted, forced to insert alcohol bottles into their private parts, and made to perform sexual acts on themselves.
Authorities are also seeking a man known as Pablo on social media, who claims to be a former bouncer at the nightclub. Pablo has made numerous allegations regarding the club, and police believe he could provide crucial information to aid the investigation.
Early this morning, a truck was seen at the entrance of ZanZou Bar & Lounge. The loading truck was allegedly sent by ZanZou management to collect equipment and stock. However, the truck was stopped by varsity students who were in the nearby vicinity. When the police later arrived, they confirmed that removing anything from the premises may be regarded as tampering with a crime scene.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for the arrest of Stephane Cohen, the owner of ZanZou Bar & Lounge, as well as other clubs including Louis Club, Montana, and Opera.
National SAPS Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has commended Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni and his team for their swift response to the case. General Masemola reassured the victims that the SAPS is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
As the manhunt intensifies, authorities urge anyone with information regarding the suspects or the incident to come forward and assist in ensuring justice for the victims.
