UPDATE: Three victims file charges amid EFF protests at Zanzou nightclub over torture videos

Three victims who were allegedly assaulted at a Pretoria nightclub reported at the Brooklyn police station on Monday after videos showing extreme violence and torture perpetrated by Zanzou's nightclub bouncers went viral on social media.

The clips, which are highly graphic and depict severe human rights violations—including acts tantamount to kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted murder—show men hogtied and filmed naked with their limbs bound.

National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said police are currently looking at various offences that have been committed including rape, assault, assault GBH, crimen injuria, and kidnapping.

"The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has directed the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni to track and trace suspects who are alleged to have violently abused and assaulted a group of men at a popular nightclub in Pretoria," she said.

Mathe said the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni was at the police station with the victims.

More victims have been called to come forward.

"Witnesses and those who have knowledge of the incident are also encouraged to come forward to assist police investigations," she said.

Meanwhile, members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) staged a protest outside the establishment demanding the arrest of club owner, Stephane Cohen, and the closure of the business.

"Such abhorrent behaviour cannot be tolerated in a society that prides itself on upholding human dignity and justice. The EFF strongly believes that there is no reason whatsoever, to justify the dehumanization of other people like that," said the party's Gauteng chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga.

Dunga said the party would report the incident to the Human Rights Commission of South Africa to ensure that the management is held accountable.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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