Do you recognise this tattoo? Please let us know. Images: Supplied/Google/Stock
Do you recognise this tattoo? Help identify WhatsApp sexual predator
A man is targeting estate agents through WhatsApp and performing lewd sexual acts via video calls. Do you recognise this tattoo?
Do you recognise this tattoo? Please let us know. Images: Supplied/Google/Stock
A disturbing trend has emerged as a man utilising WhatsApp targets estate agents, engaging them in lewd sexual acts via video calls.
THE MAN VIDEO CALLS WOMEN AND THEN PERFORMS LEWD SEXUAL ACTS
The man has a tattoo of what seems like a snake on a sword on his right groin area. Do you recognise this tattoo? Or have you been a victim?
HERE IS HOW TO CONTACT US:
You can send us your news tips, photos, or videos via WhatsApp on 060 011 0211. Please remember to include your name, surname, and as much detail and information as possible. You are, of course, welcome to send anonymous tips and information.
Police are investigating if this could be the same predator who was arrested in 2021 for similar incidents.
THE MODUS OPERANDI IS THE SAME AS THE 2021 CASE
In recent cases, the same modus operandi has been used.
Investigations in 2021 revealed that the man would randomly Google estate agents. And after obtaining their cellphone numbers, he would make contact with them via WhatsApp video calls.
According to a report by Herald Live, he would then talk dirty to them and thereafter perform lewd sexual acts while still on the video call.
DO YOU RECOGNISE THE TATTOO?
In 2021, authorities arrested and sentenced a 36-year-old Gqeberha man to six years behind bars for charges including exposing an adult to witness self-masturbation, flashing/indecent exposure, and crimen injuria.
He had been victimising women since March 2016.
Police said 25 victims were interviewed, and it was discovered the suspect’s modus operandi was the same.
THE PREVIOUS SUSPECT HAD BEEN VICTIMISING WOMEN SINCE 2016
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu previously stated that the suspect had been victimising women from across the country since March 2016.
With the assistance of Cyber Intelligence, the Serious Electronic Crime Investigation Unit finally traced the suspect. Authorities arrested him and confiscated his cellphone.
HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM RECENTLY?
The police are urging any other females who may have had the same experience and have not reported it to contact Detective Warrant Officer Huligonda Smuts on 082 319 8707 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp said in a blog post that they encourage you to report problematic content and contacts to them.
IF A SEXUAL PREDATOR CONTINUES YOU NEED TO BLOCK AND REPORT THEM
“You can control who you interact with by blocking specific contacts or reporting messages or contacts on WhatsApp. When you receive a view once photo or video, you can report the account to us directly from the media viewer,”
WhatsApp said.
They further advised that if you or anyone else is in immediate danger, to please get in touch with your local emergency services.
