A strong warning has been issued against sharing videos of the Zanzou club assault, with authorities stressing that distributing private sexual content is a serious offence.

The public is urged to refrain from spreading such material to avoid legal consequences.

The highly graphic videos depicting severe human rights violations have gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and prompting police to intensify efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

It is believed the incident happened in January 2023.

In the videos, the men are forced to perform lewd sexual acts on themselves using their hands and objects. In another instance, a grey cloth is placed over their heads before they are drenched in water – a torture technique known as waterboarding.

A man is seen stabbing the men in the buttocks in one of the videos. “Don’t move, you think we’re playing here. You’re going to die,” the torturer is heard saying.

The Film and Publication Board is warning against these videos.

It says it is an offence to spread videos that showcase private sexual images or films of any kind.

If convicted, you could face a fine of R500,000 or a five-year jail term.

“Any person who distributes such restricted content in question shall be guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, be liable to a maximum fine of R500 00 or to imprisonment for a maximum period of five years of both a fine and such imprisonment.”

The Films and Publications Act says the Zanzou videos breach the right to human dignity.

Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/ the Commission) said the acts depicted in the videos infringe on the rights to dignity and bodily integrity of the victims.

“The Commission strongly urges the public to refrain from sharing or forwarding images and videos depicting violence or abuse on social media platforms. Such actions may constitute serious offences under South African law, including crimen injuria, which involves the unlawful and intentional impairment of another person’s dignity. Additionally, under Section 16 of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020, the unlawful and intentional disclosure of an intimate image of another person without their consent is a criminal offence, carrying severe penalties upon conviction.

“Similarly, Section 24E of the Films and Publications Amendment Act 11 of 2019 criminalizes the knowing distribution of private sexual photographs and films without the prior consent of the individuals depicted, with the intent to cause them harm. It is imperative to understand that even forwarding such content, without originating it, can lead to criminal liability.”

It furthermore emphasises the importance of responsible online engagement and respecting the dignity and privacy of all individuals.

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

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