The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, has called on law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible for the inhumane treatment of patrons at ZanZou nightclub in Pretoria, are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
The committee strongly condemned the shocking videos circulating on social media, which depict the alleged brutal and barbaric handling of patrons perpetrated at Zanzou nightclub.
Committee Chairperson, Bandile Masuku said the incident is a grave violation of human rights and an abuse of the dignity of the individuals involved.
“The committee is deeply concerned by the inhumane treatment of the patrons, which is completely unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. This incident serves as a painful reminder of our apartheid past, where Black men and women were subjected to torture and dehumanisation at the hands of the racist apartheid security forces.
“We cannot allow such atrocities to be repeated in a free and democratic South Africa. Such actions have no place in a democratic society that is founded on the principles of human dignity, equality, and the rule of law,” Masuku said in a statement on Tuesday.
The committee has called on Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni and all relevant law enforcement agencies, to ensure those responsible are swiftly apprehended and held accountable.
The committee also called for a comprehensive investigation into allegations that there might have been some form of police complicity in concealing and not acting appropriately in dealing with such violations.
The committee further called for the immediate closure of ZanZou nightclub and other establishments known to endanger the safety and rights of their patrons.
“No individual or entity should be allowed to violate the rights of others in such a manner, and those responsible must face the full might of the law. The committee has already written to the Provincial Police Commissioner to request a detailed status report on the investigation into this matter.
“We will continue to monitor developments closely to ensure that justice is served, and that such incidents are prevented in the future,” Masuku said.
Masuku’s comments come as the SAPS has launched a manhunt for at least eight foreign national suspects in connection with the incident that is making the rounds on social media platforms.
This as video clips of the incident have been circulating on social media.
READ | Police launch manhunt following Pretoria night club incident
Masuku reiterated the committee’s commitment to upholding the principles of community safety, warning that it will take any necessary actions to ensure accountability.
“The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety stands in solidarity with the victims of this incident and urges anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward and report to the relevant authorities. Together, we must work towards a society where the rights and dignity of every individual are respected and protected.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has condemned the incident.
READ | Government strongly condemns acts of dehumanisation
– SAnews.gov.za
