The ZanZou nightclub in Pretoria has been revealed to be operating in violation of the City’s zoning regulations, as it is zoned as a Category 1 business, which prohibits it from functioning as a nightclub.

DA Tshwane Health spokesperson Dikeledi Selowa stated that while the criminal investigation is under law enforcement, their inquiry found that ZanZou was zoned as a Category 1 business, which prohibits it from operating as a nightclub, making it a violation of the City of Tshwane’s zoning regulations.

“We have also questioned when the city last did building inspections and if the establishment had recently been visited by environmental health practitioners (EHP) from the city to ensure health and safety regulations were being followed. We will report back on this in due course.”

Selowa said this comes on the back of the City not having adequate EHPs, who only work during regular business hours, preventing them from attending to businesses that operate at night and, as a result, failing to address businesses that operate outside of the law.

“Instead, establishments like ZanZou have been allowed to operate essentially illegally, due to a failure in enforcing by-laws.

“Inadvertently, this has led to heinous crimes being committed against people.

“The enforcement of by-laws has never been more important, and we call on the administration to ensure that stringent enforcement takes place. Prevention is always better than cure.”

Selowa added that they urge the City to conduct wide-ranging inspections at nightclubs like Zan Zou.

“It will be important to not only look at those operating without liquor licenses but also to ensure that they comply with building codes by conducting unannounced inspections of businesses operating at night in the City.

“The truth is, if the City was doing its job, businesses would not have the confidence to take the law unto themselves.”

This comes after disturbing videos from Pretoria’s ZanZou nightclub went viral, showing individuals being forced to perform explicit acts and endure torture, including waterboarding and stabbings.

The graphic footage, which has sparked widespread outrage, depicts severe human rights violations. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred in January 2023, and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Police have intensified efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

According to reports, political parties started gathering outside the nightclub on Tuesday.

It is believed a truck arrived earlier to pick up stock and equipment, but protesters blocked the truck from entering the premises, insisting that they would not permit the removal of any stock.

Eyewitness News reported that police also arrived a few moments later – saying the truck would be tampering with investigations.

Also read: Shocking torture videos from Pretoria’s Zanzou nightclub – Victims urged to come forward

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