By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (38) who posted on his social media page alleging that some people were planning to assassinate the president of Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to De Aar on Human Rights Day celebrations, was sentenced to five years imprisonment. Elrico Kaizer Kasper was sentenced by the De Aar Regional Court for cyber fraud.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said: “A disruptive operation consisting of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and Crime Intelligence, was operationalised and the team located the said accused.
“Kasper was then taken in for questioning and he admitted to having posted such, citing the frustration of unemployment. He made numerous court appearances until his sentencing.”
Senokoatsane said the NPA welcomed the sentencing of the accused and hoped this sentence will work as a deterrent to other perpetrators of cybercrimes. He said it is important that people should be aware that the dissemination of false information through social media platforms will lead to people being prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Steven Mabuela, congratulated the team including the prosecution team for the sterling work done.
The Guardian 