Portfolio Committee Calls for the Arrest of Zanzou Nightclub Owners

Cape Town – The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development in Parliament has demanded the arrest of Zanzou nightclub owners to ensure accountability.

The committee expressed being “extremely concerned” about the unsettling video footage circulating on social media depicting incidents at ZanZou nightclub in Pretoria.

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On Tuesday, (18 February 2025), Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, stated he was “saddened by the videos circulating on social media” concerning the nightclub incidents.

“The footage demonstrates disproportionate abuse directed at black men,” noted Nqola.

“ZanZou management, however, claims the videos are outdated and were part of an extortion scheme by one of their security personnel.

“They reported that new security personnel have been hired and they are committed to collaborating with law enforcement.”

Nqola questioned why ZanZou’s management had not filed a police report when they first became aware of the incident.

He urged law enforcement to take action rather than relying solely on social media videos and information provided to them.

“These abuses are a frequent occurrence in numerous white-owned and foreign-owned nightclubs throughout the country,” Nqola remarked.

“No patrons intend to experience the events being recorded and perpetuated.

“If accountability entails the arrest of the managers and owners of the establishment, that is what should be done.”

Nqola further highlighted that in addition to the exploitation of foreign nationals at many of these venues, there is significant abuse of impoverished South Africans who genuinely seek to make a living.

“ZanZou’s response is insufficient to clarify what many perceive as an old issue and an extortion attempt by one of their security staff,” stated Nqola.

“We urge the Human Rights Commission to intervene and engage with those affected and the alleged extortionists.

“There are numerous underlying issues that need to be explored beyond what is immediately visible.

“Nightclub venues appear to thrive on illicit activities that seem to persist without any intervention.”