Provincial commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has hailed the breakthrough in the Zanzou nightclub case, following the arrest of a suspect linked to the heinous torture at the Pretoria joint.
The accused man was nabbed in the highly populated Yeoville, by alert members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) on Thursday, according to Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili.
"The JMPD officials were conducting patrols in the area when they noticed the man resembling one of the Hatfield Club bouncers they have seen on videos circulating on social media. They stopped the man and upon satisfying themselves that indeed he was the one they have seen on the videos, they placed him under arrest and detained him at a police station," said Muridili.
The SA Police Service's specialised family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit was immediately notified.
Muridili said the arrested man has "for now" been charged with compelled rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and crimen injuria.
"He is being linked with the two cases which have been registered in Brooklyn police station. The suspect, a Congolese national, aged 41, will appear before a court to be determined on Monday, February 24, 2025," said Muridili.
Meanwhile, provincial police commissioner Mthombeni said saluted the JMPD officers for their vigilance and swift action in apprehending the wanted suspect.
“This is a true reflection of law enforcement agencies in Gauteng working together to realise the Police Ministerial Cooperation Agreement which aims to enhance collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders in the region, to address safety and security concerns effectively,” he said.
Police have arrested one of the eight people wanted in connection with the infamous Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria, after several videos of horrific torture emerged and went viral on social media platforms.
IOL reported on Tuesday that the SAPS family violence, child protection and sexual investigations (FCS) unit had taken over investigations into the shocking incidents. The specialised FCS unit is responsible for the investigation of sexual related offences.
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