R10 000 bail granted to Congolese man in Zanzou case

IN GRANTING R10 000 bail for a Congolese national who was arrested in connection with alleged assault and torture incidents at the Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria, the magistrate said he did not take this decision lightly, but he concluded that it is in the interests of justice that he be released.

- ZELDA VENTER

The accused man, who cannot be named as per court order, because identity parades are still being conducted by police, was granted bail by the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

He was arrested on February in Yeoville, Johannesburg, following the gruesome incident at the Hatfield club during which a group of patrons were reportedly on video while being severely assaulted.

Magistrate Ernest Mbembele said while the nature of the alleged offences, as stated in the charge sheet, is very gruesome, the accused proved his entitlement to bail.