March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has taken a significant step in addressing online harassment by opening a criminal case against Sello Lemonka Gemba, an alleged ANC member. Gemba allegedly made disturbing threats against Ngobese-Zuma on social media, including rape and death threats. The case was registered at the Durban Central police station on Tuesday. This move comes amid growing concerns over gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
The threats made by Gemba were widely shared on social media, with screenshots of the Facebook post going viral. In the post, Gemba allegedly stated that he wanted someone to rape Ngobese-Zuma before killing her. His Facebook profile has since been locked, but not before the post sparked widespread outrage. Gemba's online activity suggests a connection to the ANC, with some posts showing him wearing ANC T-shirts and campaigning for the ANC Youth League.
The ANC and its youth league have yet to comment on the matter, but March and March, the organization Ngobese-Zuma leads, has condemned Gemba's actions in strong terms. The organization's spokesperson, Sandile Dube, described the threats as "unacceptable" and "gruesome." Dube emphasized that such behavior must be strongly condemned and that Gemba must face full legal action. March and March intends to pursue the matter in court.
The threats against Ngobese-Zuma are particularly concerning given the current climate of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. March and March has been actively involved in addressing these issues, leading nationwide protests on September 30 to address high crime rates, GBVF, and illegal immigration. The organization's anti-femicide advocacy gained momentum following the discovery of women's bodies in Ekurhuleni.
Dube stressed that March and March stands firmly against GBVF and other critical issues affecting South Africans. As a civic organization, they feel entrusted with the responsibility of addressing these issues, which affect citizens across the country. The organization has a history of marching against issues impacting South Africans, including crime and illegal immigration.
This is not the first time March and March has confronted GBVF. According to Dube, fighting GBV has always been central to their work. The organization's commitment to addressing these issues is evident in their continued advocacy and activism. By pursuing Gemba in court, March and March aims to hold him accountable for his actions and to send a strong message against online harassment.
The case against Gemba serves as a significant test of South Africa's commitment to addressing online harassment and gender-based violence. As the case progresses, it will be important to monitor the responses of the ANC, the ANC Youth League, and law enforcement agencies. For now, Ngobese-Zuma and March and March have taken a crucial step in seeking justice and accountability for Gemba's alleged threats.
Key points
- March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma opens case against alleged ANC member for online rape and death threats.
- Threats made by Sello Lemonka Gemba sparked outrage amid growing concerns over gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
- March and March intends to pursue Gemba in court, emphasizing their commitment to addressing online harassment and GBVF.
