KIDNAPPED, drugged, sexually violated and robbed.
These are some of the shocking ordeals encountered by an increasing number of unsuspecting Zululand women involved in online dating.
With many women embarrassed and scared to report incidents of abuse, Zululand police and counsellors said the situation is alarming and on the rise.
According to police, suspects reportedly lure partners online by engaging in a whirlwind romance before agreeing to meet at a chosen location.
Vesting much time and interest in growing relationships, the charming and smooth gentlemen openly profess their love and earn the trust and affection of women over months chatting via email, social media and telephonically daily.
However, once couples meet, it can quickly turn into a date of terror as potential suitors pounce by drugging the women and/or sexually assaulting or robbing them of their possessions.
Community Policing Forum (CPF) member, Dave Whittaker said it was important that women did background checks on strangers before engaging in a relationship.
‘Don’t meet them alone. Meet at a public place with a chaperone or friends. There are predators on social media, preying on unsuspecting women, lying, making empty false promises and conning them out of money,’ said Whittaker.
Richards Bay SAPS Captain Debbie Ferreira said women should avoid taking drinks from strangers.
‘Purchase the drink yourself and don’t allow anyone else to bring it to you as you could be drugged. If you are a victim, do not keep quiet. The sooner you report the case, the sooner we can react. If you are sexually assaulted, blood and DNA tests must be done as soon as possible so that the perpetrator can be apprehended,’ said Ferreira.
Lifeline Zululand Director Sue Stephenson said it was ‘never too late’ to report such cases and receive counselling.
‘Women must be aware of the dangers of online dating. What is out there is not always what it seems. If you agree to meet a person, meet on your terms. Choose a place and take family or friends along.
‘Victims need to report the matter to the SAPS and go to the Thuthuzela Care Centre as soon as possible. Counselling services are also available through our 24-hour Lifeline crisis number on 035 7897788,’ said Stephenson.
