The dark reality of GBVF and posting the crimes on social media
According to Women for Change, a non-profit organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), between April 2023 and March 2024, approximately 5578 women were murdered in the country, increasing the rate of femicide in South Africa by an alarming 33.8%.

IN recent years, a troubling phenomenon has emerged in South Africa where perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) inflict more pain and humiliation by posting images or videos of their victims on social media after committing heinous acts.
Dr Jane Smith, an American clinical psychologist, suggests, “Perpetrators who post their crimes online may be seeking attention or validation. Social media provides a platform where they can shock and provoke a reaction from a wide audience. This can be driven by narcissistic tendencies or a desire to assert power and control even after committing the crime.”
The emergence of this dark trend not only highlights the severity of GBVF in SA but it also raises critical questions about the role of social media in amplifying such crimes. Throughout the year there were several such incidents and experts in psychology and criminology have sought to understand the reasons behind this behaviour.
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Social media and psychological insights
SA psychology expert, Dr Nthabiseng Moloi says, “Such actions are often rooted in a combination of deep-seated anger, a need for dominance, and a complete lack of empathy. By posting their crimes on social media, perpetrators attempt to extend their control over the victim and the narrative, causing further harm and distress to the victim’s loved ones.”
With social media platforms designed to connect people and share information, it can unfortunately also serve as tools for perpetrators to broadcast their crimes. An American criminologist, Dr Michael Brown, said, “The immediacy and reach of social media can amplify the impact of these horrific acts. It not only traumatises the victim’s loved ones but also desensitises the broader public to violence.”
His sentiments were shared by SA social media analyst, Thandiwe Nkosi, who said, “The algorithms of social media platforms often prioritise content that generates strong emotional reactions, which can unfortunately include violent or shocking material. This creates a dangerous feedback loop where such content is more likely to be seen and shared, exacerbating the trauma.”
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The minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, recently addressed the issue and condemned “the appalling acts of gender-based violence and the deeply disturbing exploitation of social media platforms” by the perpetrators of GBVF.
He said, “Such acts of violence are a betrayal of our shared humanity and have no place in our nation. Furthermore, the use of social media to amplify such cruelty is utterly unacceptable and reflects a disregard for basic decency and the dignity of others.”
This followed the murder of Nontobeko Cele in December 2024 by self-confessed perpetrator Sibusiso Ntaka who killed the young mother and recorded her last moments and his confession on social media. Ntaka later took his own life, denying Cele and her family justice.
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