A 22-year-old woman from eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, was rescued after her ex-boyfriend allegedly threatened to release explicit material of her online unless she took her own life.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) confirmed that it is in possession of screenshots and voice notes provided by the distressed woman, who asked for help after receiving the ultimatum from her former partner. The exact location of the woman is being withheld to protect her identity.
According to RUSA, the woman had initially agreed to the demand, fearing the potential shame and humiliation it could bring to her family if the intimate images and homemade videos were made public. Her sibling, who overheard the conversation, immediately contacted the RUSA Operations Center for intervention.
During an interview with officers, the woman handed over several voice notes in which the ex-boyfriend allegedly claimed he had no fear of law enforcement and reiterated his threats. He reportedly stated he would share explicit videos of her performing sexual acts on social media and community WhatsApp groups if she did not comply. He is also believed to be in possession of dozens of nude photographs taken during a past holiday.
RUSA says the woman and the man had ended their relationship several months ago, but she has since been subjected to ongoing harassment and intimidation.
Authorities are investigating the matter, and the woman has been offered support and protection services.