Neo Moela, the director of the controversial Zanzou Club, has spoken out amid serious allegations of assault and torture stemming from incidents at his establishment.
During a media briefing held by his attorney, Zola Majavu, Moela asserted his commitment to accountability as the case unfolds.
Addressing concerns raised in the community, Majavu clarified that Moela is not evading legal responsibility and assured the public that legal procedures are being followed diligently.
“He wanted us to put upfront that he did not run away. He is seated to my left. The police can confirm independently his cooperation. I can also confirm that now that I am on board, we will facilitate whatever support and cooperation that the police need. A few days ago the requested further information again before my involvement. And information was made available. The significance of me highlighting that is simply to demonstrate that we are not dealing with someone who is not prepared to take accountability to the extent that there is legal accountability to be taken. If at the end of the police investigation he becomes a person of interest.
"He will cooperate just like any other responsible corporate and natural citizen. He does not locate himself above the law. Sadly, when the incident first broke, an impression was created that it might have been a new incident. He had no knowledge of it; we understand what the law says on both criminal liability and civil liability of directors. So we are not here as a PR exercise. I am a lawyer, not a spindoctor.”
“If he has an account legally, both from a criminal law perspective and a civil law perspective. There he is; he will subject himself to that. We are not speaking on behalf of anyone who is not seated at the front table. He is not going to speak ill or point fingers at anyone. But what he knows is objectively verifiable facts. He will continue to share with the law enforcement officials, slightly in a more structured manner through my assistance.“
As the case continues to develop, police recently confirmed the arrest of a 41-year-old Congolese national linked to a case of horrific sexual abuse and torture that allegedly transpired at the club.
It had been reported that the arrest occurred on February 20, 2025, when patrol officers from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) identified the suspect in an area notorious for its nightlife.
In a further show of accountability, the Gauteng Liquor Board has suspended the nightclub’s liquor license following extensive investigations revealing the establishment's severe non-compliance with local laws.
This suspension is supported by sections 106(5) and 117(1) of the relevant act and comes after the surfacing of shocking videos depicting monstrous acts of ill-treatment and abuse purportedly involving both staff and patrons.
Moreover, a recent investigation launched by the DA in Tshwane unveiled that Zanzou Club has been operating illegally.
Despite being zoned as a Category 1 business, its operational activities as a nightclub strictly contravene the City of Tshwane’s zoning regulations, raising alarm bells about its adherence to essential business and safety laws.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) also strongly condemned the events shown in the disturbing footage, stating that these incidents undermine the victims’ rights to dignity and bodily integrity.