Accused linked to Zanzou night club torture pleads for bail to take care of family
The 41-year-old asylum seeker appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on charges of compelled assault, assault to cause grievous bodily harm.
Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The accused arrested in connection with the Zanzou night club torture incident has pleaded with the court to grant him bail so that he can take care of his family.
The 41-year-old asylum seeker appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on charges of compelled assault, assault to cause grievous bodily harm.
The media was again barred from taking pictures of the accused or naming him as he is due to go through another identity parade.
In February, videos emerged showing young men being sexually violated by bouncers at the club.
More victims are set to come forward in the Zanzou assault matter, strengthening the State's case against.
On Friday, the accused told the court through an affidavit that he was in South Africa on an asylum visa and worked as a bouncer and general worker.
The Congolese national declared that he had no passport as he was an asylum seeker and he did not intend to leave South Africa.
He argued that if he was not released on bail, his three children and his wife would risk being homeless.
The accused has declared to the court that he had a previous theft conviction for which he paid a fine.
The bail proceedings were postponed to next Thursday for arguments and the accused will remain behind bars.