YOU MAY SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT
WhatsApp has become a vital communication tool in South Africa, but many users are unaware that their messages,
images, and videos can have serious legal consequences.
Misusing WhatsApp can lead to criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment.
WHEN WHATSAPP POSTS BECOME A CRIMINAL OFFENSE:
Under South African law, there are several instances where messages sent on WhatsApp can lead to legal consequences:
HATE SPEECH AND RACISM:
The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act prohibits hate speech that discriminates against someone based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. If you send racist, sexist, or homophobic messages in a private chat or group, you can be criminally charged.
A recent case involved a person being sentenced to two years in prison.
DEFAMATION AND FALSE ACCUSATIONS:
South Africa's Defamation Act makes sharing false information that damages a person's reputation illegal.
You can be held responsible even if you forward a message without verifying its truth.
THREATS, HARASSMENT, AND CYBERBULLYING:
Sending threatening or harassing messages is a crime under the Protection from Harassment Act.
If someone feels unsafe due to your messages, they can take legal action against you.
For example, repeatedly sending threatening messages or stalking someone on WhatsApp could lead to a protection order and criminal charges.
SPREADING FAKE NEWS OR INCITING VIOLENCE:
Under the Cybercrimes Act, sharing false information that causes panic, incites violence, or disrupts public order is illegal.
In South Africa, the dissemination of fake news and incitement to violence on social media have led to significant legal actions.
A notable example is the arrest of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, on 30 January 2025.
She was charged with terrorism for allegedly using social media platforms to incite violence during the 2021 South African unrest.
Her online activities were scrutinised for potentially contributing to the widespread violence and looting that occurred during that period.
SHARING PORNOGRAPHIC OR EXPLICIT CONTENT:
South African law strictly prohibits distributing:
Child pornography (Children's Act and Films and Publications Act).
Revenge porn (Cybercrimes Act).
Any sexually explicit content without the consent of the individuals involved.
A notable case involves a couple who were ordered to pay R3.5 million in damages for distributing explicit videos of the husband's former girlfriend on social media.
This landmark ruling by the Johannesburg High Court set a legal precedent in addressing revenge porn within the country.
Additionally, the Films and Publications Amendment Act 2019 criminalises the distribution of private sexual photographs or films without consent, with penalties including fines up to R300,000 and/or up to four years imprisonment if the victim is identifiable.
DISTRIBUTING PRIVATE INFORMATION WITHOUT CONSENT:
The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) protects people's privacy.
Without consent, you cannot share personal details (such as ID numbers, addresses, or private conversations).
SHARING CLASSIFIED OR SENSITIVE INFORMATION:
Leaking confidential government or corporate documents without authorisation can be prosecuted under the National Key Points Act or the Cybercrimes Act.
WHAT YOU SHOULD NEVER SHARE ON WHATSAPP:
To protect yourself from legal consequences, avoid sharing the following:
Racist, sexist, or hate speech messages.
False accusations or defamatory statements.
Threats, harassment, or cyberbullying messages.
Fake news or incitement to violence.
Pornographic content, especially involving minors.
Someone's private information without their permission.
Confidential government or business documents.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF ON WHATSAPP:
THINK BEFORE YOU FORWARD:
Never share content unless you are 100% sure it is accurate and legal.
ADJUST GROUP SETTINGS:
If you are an admin, moderate your group and delete illegal or harmful content.
REPORT ILLEGAL CONTENT:
If someone shares criminal content, report it to WhatsApp and law enforcement.
USE END-TO-END ENCRYPTION RESPONSIBLY:
While WhatsApp is private, messages can still be used as legal evidence in court.
WhatsApp is not a lawless space. Every message you send can be used against you in court.
If you break the law, claiming "I was just forwarding" or "It was a joke" will not protect you from legal consequences.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has become a victim of WhatsApp-related crimes,
contact Specialised Security Services immediately. Our team of experts will assist with investigations,
legal guidance, and security support.
Stay safe. Stay responsible. Think before you send.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.
Comments