Man convicted of cybercrime after social media post

A 38-year-old man, Elrico Kaizer Kasper, was sentenced to five years imprisonment after he was found guilty on a cybercrime charge by the De Aar Regional Court.

Kasper posted on social media that there were “some people” planning to kill President Cyril Ramaphosa during the President’s visit to the town.

Northern Cape Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Nomthandao Mnisi, said Kasper was convicted on a charge of Cyber Fraud.

“During March 2023, Kasper posted on his social media page that some people were intending to assassinate the President during his visit to commemorate Human Rights Day in De Aar. A disruptive operation consisting of the Hawks Serious Crime Investigation team was activated and the team located the accused,” Mnisi said.

“The accused was taken in for questioning and he admitted that he posted the message, citing the frustration of unemployment. He was sentenced on May 22,” he added.

Mnisi said the conviction was welcomed.

“The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Steven Mathebuela, congratulated the team, including the prosecution team, for the sterling work done.

The Northern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also welcomed the sentencing and hopes it will work as a deterrent to the perpetrators of cyber crime

“People should be aware that dissemination of false information through social media platforms will result in prosecution,” the NPA said.