It was supposed to be a relaxing evening for Mzukisi Taho, his wife and his friends at one of Cape Town's hottest hang-outs.

That was until his party settled the bill of more than R1000 at Cubana in Green Point.

"Some of us were still eating and others were enjoying their drinks when we were thrown out of the place like common criminals," said the father of two.

He said his party had numbered nine altogether but some had decided to leave earlier and it was then that they decided to pay for their meal.

He claims that he and his wife were then roughed up by one of the restaurant's staff.

"It was so embarrassing that it got to a point where I did nothing to save myself more humiliation in front of everyone," he said.

"My wife was so hysterical afterwards that she cried all night. But this whole incident has left us very traumatised."

Arthur Roberts, brand manager for Cubana, said he found Taho's complaint "strange and bizarre" as the popular club in Green Point is well run and was renowned for "its meticulous service and loyal following".

"The fact that this complaint is of the nature that the complainant is demanding money and threatening to tarnish our brand name to the media raises suspicion of ulterior motives," Roberts said.

"We also find it strange that, upon inquiring, neither the store operators nor managers on duty have heard of or received reports regarding this incident that allegedly occurred 16 days ago."

But he said the matter would be investigated internally.

Today, Taho will return to Cubana with police to identify the man who had allegedly assaulted him and his wife.

In addition to laying assault charges, he said he has asked his lawyer to pursue a case of crimen injuria.

Taho said when they were told to leave, a local television personality was at the restaurant waiting to be seated at their table that night.

Cubana is a popular hang-out for celebrities and high-ranking state officials.

Taho's lawyer, Lindiwe Kela, said an e-mail was sent to Cubana's management yesterday.

"[Taho's] instructions were that he is demanding R20000 for damages as a result of the incident."

"He feels that he was humiliated and defamed in that there were people in the restaurant at the time. He would be claiming crimen injuria as well," Kela said.

Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that they were investigating.

"Cubana was visited by Detective Constable Dyantyi. They informed him that lots of incidents take place there," said Van Wyk.

"So the complainant will be taken by the investigating officer to identity the accused."