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Outside the Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria.
The Film and Publication Board (FPB) has warned social media users against sharing video clips showing a group of men being assaulted at Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria.
The men were allegedly being forced to perform explicit sexual acts against their will and the videos have gained traction on various social media platforms.
The board has cautioned that sharing the videos constitutes a violation of the country’s laws.
Technology and Platform Monitoring Executive at the FPB, Ephraim Tlhako, says the videos contravene parts of the FPB Act.
“There are two contraventions in some of the videos. The young men are being forced to perform sexual acts and those are being recorded. Those films should not be distributed because they are in contravention of the Film and Publications Act, specifically because there are conditions attached to distribution of such videos and at the core of our mandate as the Film and Publications Board is the protecting children against exposure to disturbing and harmful content. Secondly, the act prohibits the distribution or sharing of private sexual images or films of persons, without their consent. In some of those videos, the people’s faces are being shown, so they’re easily identifiable, which then tramples on their rights for privacy.”
Investigations ongoing, one suspect arrested
Meanwhile, investigations into nightclub’s operations continue. The shocking footage has sparked public outrage and led to quick response from officials.
The Gauteng Liquor Board has suspended the Pretoria nightclub’s liquor license, further revealing that the business was operating illegally.
Concerns are growing about the enforcement of laws and the protection of customers’ rights.
Police have since arrested a 41-year-old man in Yeoville, Johannesburg in connection with the incident.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers were on patrol in Yeoville when they identified the suspect from videos circulating on social media. After verifying his identity, they arrested and detained him at a local police station.
The suspect now faces charges of compelled rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and crimen injuria. He has also been linked to two cases registered at Brooklyn Police Station.
Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, welcomed the arrest, calling it a significant breakthrough.
