Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
POLICE say sextortion cases are on the rise and have warned people, especially young men and women, not to record their romantic moments or send nude images to their partners.
She said some victims, after their nude photographs and videos are leaked and posted on social media, have even taken their lives.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the CID spokesperson, said sextortion is a form of criminal blackmail in which someone threatens to share another person’s private sexual content unless the victim pays money or provides sexual favours.
The police warning about the rising threat posed by sextortion was issued at the Harare Agricultural Show.
“We have noted with concern more cases where some love partners have been losing quite a substantive amount of money to their former lovers,” said Det-Insp Muteweri.
“Some are committing suicide after their nude photographs and videos are leaked and posted on social media as a punishment for separation.”
Det-Insp Muteweri said others fail to report the crime, fearing further harm to their reputations.
“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we would like to warn people that it is a criminal offence and anyone caught will face sextortion charges under the Data Protection Act,” she said.
Det-Insp Muteweri said sextortion is not only carried out by former partners.
She said scammers are also targeting a large number of people – especially young people who spend much of their time on the internet.
“A scammer tricks a victim into sending nude photos, records them on a live video stream, or hacks their electronic device.
“Sometimes, scammers use basic information from social media to trick people or even create fake images,” she said.
She added that the criminals then threaten to send the private content to the victim’s family, friends, school, or employer unless certain demands are met.
“They demand cash, gift cards, or more intimate pictures to keep the material secret.
“They trick or pressure the victim into sharing nude photos or they secretly record a live-streamed video,” she said.
Det-Insp Muteweri urged victims of sextortion not to pay the blackmailers.
“Avoid sending money or more pictures since this does not stop the blackmailer; it usually leads to more demands.
“Do not reply their messages and stop all communication with the person,” she said.
She advised victims to capture evidence before blocking the account.
“Take screenshots of the messages, profile names, and conversation history before blocking the account.
“Tell a trusted adult, school counsellor or police right away,” she said.
The CID spokesperson said sextortion has shown a sharp increase, particularly in cases involving children and teens who are threatened and coerced into sharing explicit images online.
She warned that fear and shame can prevent young victims from reporting the abuse, leading to depression and emotional pain, including suicide.
“After falling victim, the young children fail to share their worries with their parents leading to depression, emotional pain and some committing suicide.”
