Pretoria – The 41-year-old Congolese man arrested in connection with the assault and sexual abuse of patrons at the Zanzou nightclub has appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, who can not yet be named or photographed until he appears before an identity parade, is facing eight counts of compelled sexual assault and six counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The charges emanate from two case dockets opened against the accused.
It is alleged that in April 2022 the accused assaulted the two victims in the matter.
In a separate incident in January 2023, it is alleged the accused compelled four male persons to perform sexual acts on themselves.
The heinous crimes against the Zanzou nightclub patrons came to light after videos went viral on social media.
The suspect was arrested in Yeovil after JMPD officers recognised him as one of the bouncers in the viral video of the assault of patrons.
RELATED: Zanzou Nightclub: JMPD Arrest Bouncer Seen In Video Clips Showing Assault Of Patrons – The Bulrushes
He appeared before the court on Monday, (24 February 2025).
During the brief appearance, the accused told the court that he had been beaten up by the police.
He said when he was taken to a medical facility for treatment he was turned away because there were no visible signs of the assault.
The accused also claimed that the police had taken his R8 000 when he was arrested.
It also emerged in court that the accused had a record because several years ago he was convicted of shoplifting goods worth R300.
The accused was remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to 3 March 2025, when the accused will likely request bail.
The court warned that the accused can not be named or photographed.
The accused has yet to appear before a complete identity parade because some of the complainants failed to turn up at the last one.
Six victims of the painful and degrading assaults at Zanzou nightclub have since come forward and laid complaints with the police.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said investigations were ongoing and more arrests were expected.
Mahanjana said more charges could be added to the ones faced by the arrested 41-year-old man.
