News24 | Former Zanzou nightclub bouncer granted R10 000 bail

The former Zanzou nightclub bouncer accused of forcing eight patrons to commit sexual acts on themselves was granted R10 000 bail. (Rosetta Msimango/News24)

• A former Zanzou nightclub bouncer has been granted R10 000 bail. 
• He was arrested and charged with torture and compelled rape. 
• This emerged after video footage from the club went viral, allegedly showing those who could not pay their bills subjected to heinous acts. 

The former Zanzou nightclub bouncer accused of forcing eight patrons to commit sexual acts on themselves was granted R10 000 bail in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Magistrate Ernest Mbembele said the accused, who can't be named due to a court order, showed that he "wants to prove his innocence".

Mbembele added that the 41-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo was legally in the country after seeking asylum.

The former bouncer was ordered to report to the Sunnyside police station three times a week.

Explaining his decision, Mbembele said the accused was an asylum seeker with a temporary visa.

"He has valid documentation to be in the country. He doesn’t possess a passport as he is a refugee, and doesn't intend to apply for one. He has family in the country. He has been residing in Sunnyside for more than five years. He has long-standing and rooted ties to the community of Sunnyside. He is a father of three minor children."

Mbembele said the accused didn’t own immovable property, but did own R250 000 worth of movable property. He is employed as a general worker earning R15 000.

During his arrest, the accused had claimed that the police hadn't identified themselves and that he was manhandled and assaulted, he added.

The magistrate said the accused had further alleged that police had found R8 000 at his home and that "the money miraculously disappeared". The money wasn't registered at the Brooklyn police station where he was detained.

"He claimed he was assaulted and waterboarded for six hours at the police station. He was surprised by the allegations. He attempted to open a case of theft and assault against the police and was told he couldn't be assisted because he was a suspect," Mbembele said.

"He has instructed his wife and brother to open the case on his behalf. To this date, it hasn’t been opened."

Mbembele said the State had argued that the accused would be in danger if released, because the community knew his address.

"The State alleges he would interfere with witnesses, but the investigating officer testified that the accused didn't know the witnesses," the magistrate added.

The accused has been in the country since 2011 and his permit has been renewed 24 times. His asylum permit expires on 23 July, Mbembele said, adding that he was awaiting the results of his new permit application. 

"He is legally in the country. His lawyer claimed the accused didn't tell him he feared for his life as the investigating officer has testified. If he feared for his life, he wouldn't bring this bail application. He wants to prove his innocence. He claimed the State case was weak."