Residents’ association Chitungwiza Residents Trust (CHITREST) has raised concern over the abuse of social media in which members of the public share insensitive videos and pictures.
Recently, a video in which an unidentified woman was seen assaulting a minor with what looked like a shoe went viral with social media users calling for the arrest of the woman.
CHITREST director Alice Kuvheya expressed concern over the ‘inhumane incidences’ calling on communities to render support to victims and reporting perpetrators.
“Following the videos that are circulating on social media whereby an unknown woman is seen assaulting a minor and others we as Chitungwiza Residents Trust we are deeply worried about such inhumane incidents whereby communities and individuals take pictures and videos and circulate them instead of rendering assistance to the aggrieved or victims of violence.
“Yes, videos are good to as evidence of what is happening but it is good to assist the vulnerable through reporting such cases to the police, personally assisting the victims and restrain those who will be inflicting violence or even offer counseling services because some cases our as a result of mental health issues, taking victims to safer places like to the police or social service departments.
“Posting socially unfriendly videos like pornography, deceased persons, accidents, children’s pictures among others is a crime hence people should worry. Some people are of nervous disposition hence a warning should be set and all this should be done only by the mainstream media who are licensed to do that,” Kuvheya said
She added “With the emergency of smart phones all most everyone is a citizen journalists but let’s practice it safely knowing the rules and regulations of this country. Ignorance of law excuses no one. With the cyber bill that has been passed into law we should not be found wanting. We will soon hold a massive camping in fighting cybercrime.”
