KEY POINTS
- Zanzou continues its business operations at a venue despite not receiving legal permission from the city authority through zoning regulations.
- A newly released video captures another torture victim whose life is being taken from him.
- The SA Human Rights Commission issued a public warning that viewers should not distribute violent video material online.
The Pretoria nightclub Zanzou Lounge faces increasing legal problems stemming from its involvement in the publicized torture video scandal.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) doubts whether Zanzou Lounge operates unlawfully because the establishment lacks zoning approval for nightclub functions.
Allegations of illegal nightclub operations
The Tshwane branch of the DA confirmed through preliminary investigation that Zanzou received a Category 1 classification which prevents the facility from operating as a nightclub under the City of Tshwane by-laws. The club operated legitimately until its closure after which DA spokesperson Dikeledi Selowa confirmed its illegal operation when it reopened.
The police used their authority to shut down the strip due to violent crimes ranging from murder cases. Our team learned on Monday that Zanzou operates unlawfully since it lacks the correct zoning classification Selowa said to eNCA.
Human rights groups warn against sharing graphic videos
The torture scandal remains largely exposed as more disturbing footages emerge online. A University of Limpopo student appears in a TikTok video from Tuesday while security personnel restrain him while he begs for survival.
South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) issued an alert about video sharing because it violates national criminal statutes.
The South African Human Rights Commission demands that members of the public avoid circulating photos and videos which show mistreatment incidents. The SAHRC indicated that such distribution actions could lead to major criminal penalties.
