VICTORIA FALLS-The recent sacking of Victoria Falls mayor Somvelo Dlamini has sparked a virtual space war on the WhatsApp platform as residents take turns to insult each other oblivious of cyber crimes they may be committing.
While the traditional ways of communication have been overtaken by the use of the internet due to developments in technology, there is a dark side of internet which results in cyber-crime.
In general terms cyber-crime refers to crimes committed via the internet or other computer networks such as defamation, bullying, harassment, fraud and pornography.
The use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter among others has resulted in the escalation of cyber-crime with many citizens falling victim to cyber harassment through the use of social media. One can be charged under the Postal and Telecommunications Act for sending abusive, insulting and threatening messages over the phone.
In Victoria Falls, the virtual space has become a war front as pro and anti Dlamini factions fight a battle of supremacy.
While in most instances WhatsApp platform is dismissed as a source of fake news, Victoria Falls residents have transformed the site into a public sphere to plan for a demonstration against dismissal of their leader.
The rifts are clearly defined on political, tribal and racial lines with one section backing and sympathizing with Dlamini while the other one is celebrating his demise.
The Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance sacked Dlamini on Wednesday last week accusing him of defying party directive by contesting for the mayoral position when the party preferred ward 1 councillor Margoerite Varley.
Dlamini was supposed to become deputy, as per the party’s directive.
He garnered eight votes against Varley’s three to land the city father’s post.
Fearing for their future, some councillors who have all along supported Dlamini have resorted to quiet diplomacy on the issue as they cannot physically directly challenged their party.
Pseudo WhatsApp users one of them being one called Dr Gamu have been created thereby creating anxiety among residents as the user concentrates on purging of pro-Dlamini supporters.
Dr Gamu picks a fight with any resident who openly sympathises with or supports Dlamini.
The character enjoys the cover of darkness.
However, residents want justice done and have called for the fall of fellow councillors who they accused of plotting Dlamini’s downfall.
“Whatever we say or do, a demonstration should held calling for the fall of Ephias Mambume and Varley as they are the ones behind the sacking of Dlamini,” said a WhatsApp user.
Mambume is ward 6 councillor and a close ally of Chamisa.
Residents accused him of plotting Dlamini’s downfall.
Mambume and Dlamini refused to comment about the latest developments.
A WhatsApp group called “Vic Falls Demo” has been created to complement other groups already in existence.
On Friday residents resolved to stage a peaceful march from the suburbs to municipal offices to protest against dismissal of Dlamini as they demanded that he be reinstated.
“We are going to notify authorities about the march and come back to you in the earliest possible time,” said Victoria Falls Combined Resident Association chair Morgen Dube while addressing the meeting.
Residents took to WhatsApp to mobilise each other.