A social media trend exposing men accused of cheating has escalated in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, with at least 15 men approaching the South African Police Service (SAPS) over alleged defamation and character assassination. The trend is linked to a Facebook and TikTok group called “Vela Star Wam”, which is accused of exposing intimate details about men’s romantic relationships and alleged sexual encounters.
The group allegedly posts photographs of men, followed by discussions about their personal lives and relationships. Some men are reportedly described as “Amaqhude”, a derogatory term used in the group in reference to men alleged to experience premature ejaculation. One of the men said details about his private relationship had been exposed to his own child, leaving him deeply uncomfortable.
Several men from the area have reportedly approached the Matatiele police station to open cases, alleging that those operating the group have damaged their dignity and reputations. SAPS investigators in Matatiele are tracking down approximately 15 women suspected of managing the group and publishing the defamatory material. The men formally opened criminal cases at the Matatiele police station, citing defamation and character assassination.
Matatiele municipal employee Salathiso Ntabeni said the matter could no longer be dismissed as social media gossip, particularly because some of those allegedly targeted are public representatives who have families and children. Ntabeni also raised an unverified allegation that a man had allegedly taken his own life because of the controversy.
Matatiele Mayor Patrick Stuurman has warned social media users of the possible law infringements like POPIA and cyberbullying following a social media trend that is allegedly shaming men. Stuurman condemned the alleged online campaign and urged families not to make impulsive decisions that could irreparably damage relationships.
The controversy should also be viewed within the broader context of gender-based violence, Stuurman said. He said GBV had traditionally been framed largely around violence and abuse against women, but warned that men could also be affected.
The “Vela Star Wam” trend is not limited to Matatiele. It has also been reported in areas such as the Vaal in Gauteng and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as other towns and cities, where it has reportedly caused distress among people who have been mentioned.
Key points
- Men in Matatiele are being targeted by a social media group that exposes their private lives.
- At least 15 men have approached SAPS over alleged defamation and character assassination.
- The trend has sparked concerns about cyberbullying and the need for public education on the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
