Security company at Pretoria nightclub Zanzou found non-compliant! It has come to light that the security company hired by Pretoria’s Zanzou nightclub is not compliant with industry regulations, compounding the establishment’s current troubles.
Zanzou nightclub has faced intense public scrutiny and legal attention after videos surfaced on social media showing its bouncers torturing patrons. In the disturbing footage, bouncers are seen sexually and physically assaulting a group of young men. The violent incident has sparked outrage, and police investigations are ongoing, though no arrests have been made yet.
Nightclub Cuts Ties with Security Company
On Tuesday, Zanzou’s management announced they had severed ties with the security company whose personnel were involved in the abuse. The nightclub’s statement emphasized its efforts to cooperate with law enforcement and ensure accountability for the actions of the implicated security staff.
However, this move has done little to quell public anger. The nightclub remains under heavy scrutiny from both political groups and student activists, who have called for stricter action, including potential closure.
MMC Confirms Non-Compliance with Security Standards
Tshwane’s Health MMC, Tshegofatso Mashabela, revealed that the security company was not compliant with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) standards. PSIRA is responsible for regulating the private security sector in South Africa to ensure safety and professionalism.
“We also learned that the security company that is operating here is not PSIRA compliant. So those are some of the challenges that we need to deal with. The employees here also came out to complain,” Mashabela stated.
Mashabela did not provide specific details about the nature of the non-compliance, but non-adherence to PSIRA standards typically involves issues such as unregistered personnel, inadequate training, and the use of improper equipment. These violations raise concerns about the overall safety and professionalism of security services at Zanzou.
Zanzou Replaces Security Company
In response to the revelations, Zanzou’s management confirmed they had replaced the non-compliant security company with a fully registered provider that adheres to all regulatory requirements. The establishment also committed to working with law enforcement to ensure the individuals responsible for the abuse are held accountable.
Despite these measures, Tshwane’s Health MMC stressed that Zanzou must still answer for hiring a non-compliant company in the first place.
“The fact that Zanzou appointed a non-compliant company to provide security services cannot be excused,” Mashabela said.
Impact of the Scandal
The incident at Zanzou has not only damaged the nightclub’s reputation but has also brought broader attention to the accountability of private security companies. The private security sector in South Africa is vast, but non-compliance with PSIRA regulations remains a persistent issue in some parts of the industry.
This scandal highlights the potential dangers of employing unregulated or poorly managed security companies, especially in high-risk environments like nightclubs. The MMC’s remarks suggest that Zanzou may face additional consequences beyond simply replacing the security provider.
Public Outrage and Ongoing Investigations
The videos showing the torture of patrons at Zanzou have triggered widespread condemnation from the public, political figures, and student organizations. Protests have been staged outside the nightclub, with demonstrators demanding justice for the victims and stricter oversight of nightlife venues in the region.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit is leading the investigation. Authorities have urged witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
No arrests have been made so far, but the SAPS has assured the public that they are working diligently to ensure justice is served.
Looking Ahead
The fallout from the Zanzou scandal is likely to prompt increased scrutiny of the nightclub industry in Pretoria and beyond. It may also lead to calls for stricter enforcement of PSIRA regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, Zanzou remains under pressure to prove its commitment to safety and accountability. Whether its recent actions will be enough to regain public trust remains to be seen.
