Online Dating: An Added Threat to Women in Gauteng

(The Post News)- Authorities warn Gauteng residents to remain vigilant when meeting new people through online platforms. This advice comes from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee, which has noted an alarming increase in acts of violence associated with meeting strangers through social media and online dating apps.

Following the significant murder case of Olorato Mongale, a 30-year-old Wits student who was lured and deceived under the guise of meeting a new online friend, authorities revealed to the Provincial Legislature Committee that there has been an unsettling trajectory of unsuspecting Gauteng locals, particularly women, being persuaded to meet up in Maboneng under false pretenses, only to end up being victims of robbery, assault, or kidnapping.

The Committee also highlighted its concern about the safety of the LGBTQIA+ community, as they uncovered a gang operation in the Maboneng vicinity that targets individuals within the community with hate crimes.

Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, released the national crime statistics for the fourth quarter of 2024/2025 on May 23 and noted that Gauteng remains among the main provinces with the highest crime rate. Although the national crime rate has slightly decreased, Gauteng played a significant role in raising South Africa’s rape statistic by almost 20% and contributed to approximately 12,000 commercial crimes, including embezzlement and identity theft.

It has also been reported that of the 22 authority officials who were murdered on duty during the fourth quarter, 10 were from the Gauteng Province.

Public safety alert: Gauteng officials warn of rising dangers in online meet-ups. Police officials have urged the public to avoid meeting up with strangers in secluded areas.

According to an article published by Safe and Solo, when meeting up with a stranger from online dating apps, these are the safety guidelines that you should always adhere to:

1. Research the person and find out as much as you can about them.

2. Run a background check to view their criminal record.

3. Video call the person to confirm their identity.

4. Let your family and friends know who you’re meeting up with and where you’re going.

Lastly, always listen to your intuition. If you have a bad feeling about meeting up with someone new, that little voice you hear telling you not to go could just save your life.

Some may see this as excessive, but considering the country we live in, where women and children are constantly being preyed upon, even those who take all necessary precautions, like Olorato did herself, there is no such thing as “doing too much.