The Limpopo Department of Health says it’s still investigating a male nurse over a social media post that sexualises children – nearly a month after a complaint was laid. 

The Vhembe-based nurse insinuates, in a comment made on Facebook, that he would forcefully have sexual intercourse with a minor child. The comment was made in the wake of reports of the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl dubbed “Cwecwe”. 

In a complaint to the Health Professions Council, a rape survivor and activist who asked not to be named, wrote that:

“These posts aren’t just offensive, they normalise the unthinkable. Suggesting forced sex with a child isn’t a ‘joke.’ It’s a blueprint for predators.”

However, the department has been slow in providing updates on the progress of the investigation. Spokesperson Neil Shikwambana could not confirm if the nurse has been suspended, or is still working, while the investigation is underway.

Unfortunately, the nurse in question was not an isolated case. According to the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster, “numerous social media users” had posted inappropriate comments related to the rape of a child.   

“People forget – the same rules governing real life apply online,” warns associate at The Digital Law Company, Rorke Wilson. 

Activists and civil society are now demanding stricter social media regulation and accountability for those who trivialise such gross abuses.

Wilson urges social media users to employ the “billboard test”. 

“Imagine your face, employer, or school posted next to your comment on a highway billboard. If you wouldn’t dare say it publicly, don’t type it. Even if it’s not illegal, it’s indefensible.”

Fuel to the fire

Joshua Simango of the Boko Simango Foundation, a community-based youth empowerment organisation, says there’s no justification for the nurse’s post. 

“Social media is for entertainment, but joking about raping children? Unthinkable. While we fight the ‘Cwecwe’ sexual assault crisis, these comments pour fuel on the fire.”

Phathutshedzo Mukhaninga of The Vhembe Concern Group said the nurse had apologised to the group over his comments. Based in the Vhembe district, the organisation is a collective of individuals working to combat crime, poverty, and uplift young people in the community.

“As the Vhembe Concerned Group, we received his apologies.  But we also want this to be a lesson to others; they must use social media responsibly – especially if they are a public servant. Child abuse is a very serious problem, these issues must be dealt with responsibly,” Mukhaninga says. 

At the time, the Limpopo health MEC Dieketseng Mashego was quick to order an investigation into the nurse and the comment he made. 

“The department will not tolerate any behaviour that sexualises children or promotes violence. Such statements perpetuate rape culture and sabotage years of work to shield the vulnerable. We have zero tolerance for gender-based violence,” the MEC said in a statement. –Health-e News