Calls mount for Grootman’s arrest over revenge porn

Forensic and Clinical Psychologist, Dr Giada Del Fabbro, says revenge porn is an awful act, as it exposes the other person to reputational damage, physical violation, and humiliation.

Dr Del Fabbro spoke to YNews reacting to the revenge porn video of influencer, Gcinile Twala, that is circulating on social media.

The young makeup artist’s ex-fiancé, forex trader and Instagram influencer, Themba aka Grootman Selahle, allegedly shared the video of them, which has gone viral, earlier this week.

The incident, which has been widely criticised, has raised concerns on what potential impact it might have on Twala and others who have had the same experience.

While the reason behind Selahle sharing the video remains unknown at this stage, Dr De Del Fabbro says there’s a list of reasons why a former partners might do this, some of which include spite and extorsion.

 

Some social media users have expressed fear of possibly falling victim to such a thing.

But Dr Del Fabbro says they shouldn’t.

She believes making explicit content in relationships is fine, just as long as both partners are consenting to the act and are aware that it is being recorded.

Despite this, however, Dr Del Fabbro says Gcinile might suffer from anxiety and end up with trust issues, among others.

The Film nd Publication Board has also weighed in on the matter.

It’s urged the public to refrain from sharing the video.

Speaking to YNews, the Film and Publication Board’s Obakeng Maimane says sharing private sexual material is a crime.

Social media law specialist, Emma Sadleir, agrees with the board.

She says the nonconsensual distribution of private sexual content is a serious crime that is punishable with a fine of up to R300 000. The offender can also be sentenced up to four years in prison.

Sadleir says people must understand that every time they show a pornographic material to someone else, they are re-publicising it, thus committing a serious criminal offence.

Sadleir has urge anyone who might have the video to delete it, so they don’t find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

You have! We were late in realising ukuthi the man is evil personified.. in this case, we are early but ineffective in stopping an unhinged monster.. watch everyone in law enforcement & ANCWL post #justiceforGcinile #RIPGci as if we didn’t know the potential danger she faces😔 pic.twitter.com/8HgcukX2ib

— BDS (@BSDSek) May 21, 2024

Women For Change, which advocates for women’s rights, wants Grootman arrested.

The NPO has also urged policymakers to take a stand against revenge porn.

Justice for Gcinile 💜

Women For Change are deeply appalled and outraged by the sex tape that was allegedly leaked by Themba Selahle, known as ’Grootman’. This heinous act of revenge porn is not only a gross violation of privacy but also a deeply traumatising experience for… pic.twitter.com/flgnLyqLIB

— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) May 20, 2024