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By NOMFANELO MAZIYA | 2024-11-08
DESPICABLE!
Pupils predominantly from private schools have been held to ransom by unknown individuals through a WhatsApp group that shares an array of harmful content.
The group supposedly created by online predators is named ‘Add everyone in your contacts (except parents) also (no asking for admin).’
At the time of compiling this report, it had over 1 000 members.
Many believe the group was created by adults from various countries who share explicit and racist content, engage in cyber bullying and promote harmful ideologies targeted at children. In some instances, pedophilic statements and images were also shared.
Local authorities and concerned parents revealed that children from schools such as Enjabulweni Independent, Sifundzani, Thembelisha Preparatory, Usuthu Forest School International and Jabez had been added to these groups without their consent.
Once added, the children are allegedly subjected to threats and intimidation of any attempt to exit the group.
The group's administrators are said to be even creating fake content using the children's images to further intimidate them.
Enjabulweni High Headteacher Mathew Kamota confirmed that such a group existed and that about 30 pupils from the school had been added to the group and had spoken out.
“We have a culture with our learners where they speak out on issues affecting them,” he said.
Kamota added that upon being informed of such, they took this matter seriously and swiftly initiated an investigation with the assistance of cyber security experts.
"Unfortunately, I cannot divulge more information now as it may compromise our investigations. These groups often adapt and change their tactics once they feel they are being monitored,” he said.
To address this issue and prevent future occurrences, Kamota said the school had an ongoing education programme focused on digital and cyber bullying.
“We are also collaborating with the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) to educate our pupils on online safety,” he said.
He said the school had reached out to parents to inform them of such a situation, setting up a meeting that was to be held in the evening (yesterday), so as to update them of investigations and address parents’ concerns.
“Additionally, we are offering counseling services to learners who may have been affected by this unfortunate incident.
We understand the sensitivity of this matter and are committed to taking all necessary steps to protect our children and maintain a safe learning environment,” said Kamota.
Sifundzani Schools Board Chairman Sicelo Mashwama confirmed that a parent brought the issue of the group to the school's attention.
While it's uncertain if Sifundzani pupils were directly involved, the school is taking proactive measures to educate parents and children on online safety.
"A parent recently brought a concerning social media group to our attention. While we cannot confirm if Sifundzani pupils are directly involved, we take this matter seriously,” he said.
To address this issue and prevent future occurrences, Mashwama said the school had started awareness campaigns as a mitigation measure. “We inform parents and pupils of the dangers of cyber bullying and online harassment,” he said.
Mashwama further advised parents to monitor their children's online activity, set screen time limits, and use parental control tools.
He committed that they would continue conducting awareness programmes and engage with parents on these important issues.
“We urge parents to be vigilant and discuss online safety with their children. By working together, we can create a safer online environment for our students,” he said.
Schools like Sisekelo High, Usuthu Forest International and Thembelisha Preparatory also issued formal statements acknowledging the existence of the group, further expressing concern.
ESCAPA says this could lead to trafficking
ESWATINI Schools Committee and Parents Association (ESCAPA) President Cedric Chirwa says early intervention in such crimes is crucial to prevent further escalation and potential trafficking.
He therefore advised parents to be vigilant and pay attention to their children’s engagements online.
“The cybercrime targeting children is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. While cybercrime is often associated with financial crimes, the exploitation of children's dignity is equally reprehensible,” said Chirwa.
Upon discovering any evidence of cyberbullying, threats, or other harmful behaviour, the president advised parents to report it to the police immediately.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety of our children. We rely on law enforcement agencies like the police to investigate these crimes and protect our children from harm. Unfortunately, we may not have the technical expertise to deal with these complex cyber issues.”
To mitigate the risk, parents should actively monitor their children's online activity.
While it may be challenging to keep up with the latest technology, regular checks of phones and social media accounts becomes essential, according to Chirwa.
He therefore encouraged open communication with children, further advising parents to ask them to share any unusual or concerning activity. “By working together with law enforcement and other parents, we can create a safer online environment for our children.
Let's stand united against cybercrime and protect the future of our young generation,” he said.
Perpetrators could face E100 000
fine, 5 years in jail
THE WhatsApp group in its entirety is a violation of the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022.
Its administrators once found and convicted could face a fine of up to E100 000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The Computer and Cybersecurity Act of 2022, Section 14 highlights the intention to make pornography available to children through a computer system. It includes sharing child pornography in WhatsApp groups.
The law applies to anyone who intentionally shares child pornography in a computer system, regardless of whether they are the group administrator or a regular member. This means that even if one accidentally received child pornography in a WhatsApp group, they could be held liable if they fail to report it to the authorities.
“As outlines in the same section (3) a person who intentionally, without lawful excuse or justification or in access of a lawful excuse or justification makes pornography available to one or more children a computer system or facilitates the access of children to pornography through a computer system commits and offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding E100 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or both,” reads the Act.
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