Umhlali Saps crack down on sexting: Ballito resident arrested for sending unwanted explicit images
Swift action was taken against a man accused of sending pornographic material to unsuspecting women.
A local man who allegedly sent pornographic images to unsuspecting Ballito women, has been arrested.
Umhlali police took custody of the 35-year-old resident of a local gated estate last Wednesday after the man’s father handed him over when news of the imminent arrest reached him.
At least four women, aged between 22 to 38, have filed cases against him for sending them explicit images and videos.
He appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he was granted bail and sent to undergo mental evaluation.
Umhlali police spokesman Captain Vinny Pillay said sharing pornographic material without someone’s consent was a criminal offense.
“Apart from the four women who filed cases, other women were also targeted, particularly single mothers and divorced women. This also constitutes stalking because these women neither knew him nor provided him with their contact information,” said Pillay.
Founder of the community welfare organisation Rise Up Movement, Josha Daniel, said they have been working with the Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) to assist complainants in reporting such criminal acts.
“Our primary focus is on guiding victims through the process. We partnered with the FCS unit, which acted swiftly once the cases were reported.
“Before the cases were filed, an incident report was lodged to ensure the gravity of the matter was acknowledged and to collect evidence to assist investigating officers,” said Daniel.
He said the women were also helped to obtain interim protection orders.
“Individuals terrorising women in this way are exploiting chat groups and social networks to obtain their contact information. Some even target school pupils.”
The growing trend of sexting among schoolchildren is another disturbing development Pillay and Daniel warned against.
“Last week, we received reports of two incidents at one of Ballito’s private schools. Parents should remain vigilant and regularly monitor their children’s phones,” Pillay advised.Daniel urged parents and women to report incidents to the police without delay.
The Saps website states that sexually explicit photographs, videos and communications of children, even when sent between minors under the age of 18, may be classified as child pornography.
The originator of such material, the recipient and anyone who shares such content may be criminally charged.
What can one do to protect your child from sexually explicit material?
Sexting typically takes place in private and is therefore difficult to monitor and prevent, but the Saps website offers some tips:
• Be informed of the latest cell phone technology and how it functions.
• Even if you respect your child’s privacy, there must be rules.
• Insist on knowing your child’s passwords and talk to them about the reasons and ways to protect them.
• Use filtering software to block inappropriate content and websites.
• Learn the common acronyms children use online and in text messages.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of sexting, and the danger of meeting predators who can take advantage of them.
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