The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is aware of troubling videos circulating on social media that depict multiple individuals experiencing humiliation and sexual assault at the Zanzou establishment in Gauteng. The Commission has also taken note of a statement released by Zanzou management on 17 February 2025, which confirms the authenticity of the videos. The actions portrayed in these videos violate the victims’ rights to dignity and bodily integrity. The Commission emphasizes that there is no justification for the conduct shown in the videos under any circumstances.
The Commission has observed the public’s outrage and the calls from various stakeholders for an investigation into this issue. It can confirm that its Gauteng Provincial Office has initiated an investigation on its own accord, in accordance with the Complaints Handling Procedure. As part of this investigation, the Commission will engage with the South African Police Service to discuss the necessity of allocating sufficient resources to thoroughly investigate the matter. The Commission encourages victims and any witnesses to the events at the establishment to reach out to both the SAPS and the Commission.
The Commission will actively engage with the owner of the establishment to discuss the specific actions taken upon learning of the incident, the reasons for not filing a case with the SAPS as reported, and the institutional culture that may have contributed to this inhumane occurrence.
The Commission recognizes the public’s concern and interest in this alarming situation. Simultaneously, it strongly advises the public to avoid sharing or forwarding images and videos that depict violence or abuse on social media platforms. Such actions may constitute serious offenses under South African law, including crimen injuria, which pertains to the unlawful and intentional infringement of another person’s dignity. Furthermore, under Section 16 of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020, The Commission acknowledges the public’s concern and interest regarding this distressing situation. At the same time, it strongly urges individuals to refrain from sharing or disseminating images and videos that portray violence or abuse on social media platforms. Engaging in such activities may lead to serious legal consequences under South African law, including crimen injuria, which addresses the unlawful and intentional violation of another person’s dignity. Additionally, under Section 16 of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020, the unauthorized and intentional distribution of an intimate image of another individual without their consent is classified as a criminal offense, subject to severe penalties upon conviction. Likewise, Section 24E of the Films and Publications Amendment Act 11 of 2019 criminalizes the knowing distribution of private sexual photographs and films without the consent of the depicted individual, particularly when intended to cause harm. It is crucial to recognize that even forwarding such content, without being the original source, can result in criminal liability. The South African Human Rights Commission underscores the necessity of responsible online behavior and the importance of respecting the dignity and privacy of all individuals.
The Gauteng Provincial Office of the Commission will operate continuously to ensure that this case receives the requisite attention, aiming to hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act.
