The South African Police Services in Ga-Rankuwa due to the risky nature of information dissemination particularly explicit content would like to warn the community about the dangers of sexting.
Sexting is explained as sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos via cell phone, computer, or any digital device. Sexting includes photos and videos containing nudity or showing simulated sex acts. It also includes text messages that discuss or propose sex acts. As teens and children increasingly carry smartphones and use tablets, social media
The station’s Communication Officer Shimmy Tsheole said “We hereby warn our community to resist the temptation of sexting as it will leave a person with loss of control of what you perhaps believe is of private nature. Once sent, one will not have control of the recording. Once it hits the internet it is easy to access and distribute. The humiliation associated with it might lead to tragic end to the victim.
“Ga-Rankuwa SAPS is very much concerned of other outcomes whereby a victim might be held to an emotional blackmail. A perpetrator might demand money from victim in false promise of deleting the video clip or image. Extortion and blackmail are usually associated with sextortion,” said Tsheole.
An example of such is Case number: A3032-2016 which was heard at the South Gauteng High Court which was an appeal against the decision of the magistrate court refusing to grant additional conditions to an interdict made in terms of section 7(1) of Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998. The respondent interdicted from publishing explicit sexual video footage and photos of the applicant on Facebook. Court restating the constitutional norms in the interpretation of statutes. Magistrate’s decision set aside on the ground of failure to apply the correct principles in interpreting the discretionary powers given by s 7(2) of the Domestic Violence Act. The respondent ordered to submit the video footage and the photos to the Sheriff forensic audit and removal from any of the digital equipment they may be found.
We appeal to parents to have a serious discussion with their children about sexting. We also send message to both young and old to be responsible with what they choose to upload to the internet.