A chilling case has emerged at the University of Venda, where a 20-year-old student was allegedly manipulated during a video call by a woman claiming to be a “woman of God.” According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect allegedly guided the student to perform inappropriate acts under the guise of a spiritual cleansing ritual.
Without the student’s consent, the woman then allegedly took screenshots and demanded money, threatening to release the images if the payment was not made. Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, condemned the act as a serious form of extortion and exploitation.
Warning to Students and Young People
<p'We urge community members, especially young people and students, to be extremely cautious when receiving calls from unknown individuals, particularly those who make spiritual or supernatural claims. Criminals are increasingly using manipulation and intimidation to exploit victims,' said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
She further cautioned against complying with such demands or sharing intimate content with strangers: ‘Members of the public are advised never to engage in explicit acts during online interactions with unknown persons. If you receive threats or suspicious requests, report the matter immediately to the nearest police station. Do not send money or vouchers to unknown individuals,’ she added.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to such scams, it is essential to be vigilant and cautious when interacting with strangers online. Here are some tips:
- Never engage in explicit acts during online interactions with unknown persons
- Do not share intimate content with strangers
- Be cautious of individuals who make spiritual or supernatural claims
- Report suspicious requests or threats to the nearest police station
The Cybercrimes Unit of the SAPS is also available to assist with online-related crimes.
