In a decisive move, the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB) has suspended the liquor licence of Zanzou Nightclub, a prominent establishment in Pretoria’s Hatfield district. This action comes in response to disturbing videos that surfaced on social media, depicting the brutal assault and sexual abuse of five young men within the club’s premises.
The GLB announced the immediate suspension, citing severe non-compliance and egregious violations of the law. The board’s decision is grounded in Sections 106(5) and 117(1) of the Gauteng Liquor Act, No. 2 of 2003, which empower it to act against licensees failing to uphold legal and ethical standards. The suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of a formal inquiry and the completion of investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The videos, which have sparked national outrage, show the victims being subjected to inhumane treatment, including torture and sexual assault. Preliminary reports suggest that the assaults were perpetrated by individuals associated with the nightclub, possibly as a form of punishment or coercion. The exact motives and identities of the assailants are currently under investigation.
In addition to the liquor licence suspension, the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has revealed that Zanzou Nightclub was operating illegally. The establishment is zoned under “Business 1,” which permits operation as a place of refreshment but not as a nightclub. This zoning violation raises further concerns about the club’s adherence to municipal regulations and bylaws.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane has also weighed in, conducting an independent probe into Zanzou’s compliance with city bylaws. Their findings corroborate the municipality’s stance, indicating that the venue was not authorized to function as a nightclub under its current zoning classification.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with additional information or who may have been affected by similar incidents at Zanzou to come forward. The SAPS has assured the public that all reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity.
The suspension of Zanzou’s liquor licence serves as a stern reminder to all entertainment venues about the importance of compliance with legal and ethical standards. The GLB has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Gauteng Liquor Act and ensuring that establishments operate within the bounds of the law, prioritizing the safety and well-being of patrons above all else.
This incident has ignited a broader conversation about the responsibilities of nightlife venues in South Africa and the mechanisms in place to protect patrons from abuse and misconduct. As the community grapples with the implications of these revelations, there is a collective call for stricter oversight and more robust enforcement of regulations governing such establishments.
In the interim, Zanzou Nightclub will remain closed, and its future operations are contingent upon the outcomes of the ongoing investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings. The GLB has emphasized that it will not hesitate to take similar action against other establishments found in violation of the law, underscoring its dedication to maintaining the integrity of Gauteng’s hospitality industry.
