Scebi Thabiso Nene (35), accused of distributing pornographic images with overlaid faces of the president & minister of police. Photo: National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
A 35-year-old man accused of distributing pornographic images with overlaid faces of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Police Minister Bheki Cele was remanded in custody on Tuesday.
Scebi Thabiso Nene made his first appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where his case was transferred to Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court.
“He is facing charges of two counts of crimen injuria, this is after he sent the pornographic images with overlaid faces of the President of South Africa, his excellency, Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of Police Bheki Cele, and his wife to a complainant who reported the matter,” said National Prosecuting Autority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
The Hawks added that a multitude of pornographic images were allegedly found on his device.
After investigations, Nene was arrested on Sunday and will appear at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on 30 May 2023.
On 21 May, police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Philani Nkwalase said an investigation into the pornographic images had been launched at the beginning of May.
“The images were distributed to police officers and members of the public on social media platforms.
“A suspect was traced and arrested in Azalea, Pietermaritzburg, and his device that was allegedly used as well as sim cards were recovered in his possession. A multitude of pornographic images were allegedly found on his device,” Nkwalase said.
At the time, Nene was arrested by members of the Gauteng crimes against the state (CATS) team and the Hawks’ Pietermaritzburg-based serious organised crime investigation team.
ALSO READ: Man nabbed for porn images overlaid with images of Ramaphosa, Cele
According to experts, in the long term, pornography seems to create sexual dysfunctions, especially the inability to achieve erection or orgasm with a real-life partner.
Marital quality and commitment to one’s romantic partner also appear to be compromised.
To try to explain these effects, some scientists have drawn parallels between porn consumption and substance abuse. Through evolutionary design, the brain is wired to respond to sexual stimulation with surges of dopamine.
READ MORE: Watching pornography may rewire the brain to a ‘more juvenile state’
Additonal reporting by Faizel Patel
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