Alleged Zanzou bouncer says his identity parade was unfair
The parade is a procedure where witnesses to a crime are shown a group of people in order to identify the perpetrator.
Zanzou nightclub in Hatfield. Picture: Google Maps
JOHANNESBURG - The bouncer arrested for allegedly torturing patrons at Zanzou nightclub has complained that his identity parade was unfair.
The parade is a procedure where witnesses to a crime are shown a group of people in order to identify the perpetrator.
The 41-year-old suspect briefly appeared at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon, where his case was remanded to next Monday.
He is allegedly one of the bouncers seen in several viral video clips – showing a group of young men being sexually and physically assaulted.
READ: Man arrested in connection with Zanzou claims police 'tortured' him
The 41-year-old suspect participated in an identity parade after his arrest, but it wasn’t completed successfully due to the absence of some witnesses.
This is the main reason why the media was prohibited from naming the suspect and taking photographs of him and his legal team.
Through his lawyer, the Congolese national told the court that during the identity parade, he was placed in a line up with individuals who did not resemble him at all.
READ: Police confident that justice will be served in Zanzou torture case
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says the court will address his concerns as the case proceeds.
"Such cases will be ventilated in court during the trial. He has a right to say they arrested the wrong person, whether the identity parade was not conducted properly. Those issues will be ventilated in court, the judge will then decide how we proceed moving forward."
Another identity parade is expected to take place this week.