Dubai: A short story on Twitter #Kamo has become a national cry against rape in South Africa. It was a work of fiction that focused on the rape and murder of a awoman.
At first, social media users took the story to be real since the author, @JustKhuthi, tweeted a first person narrative with Kamo being her close family friend. @SbuMpungose tweeted: “Filled with rage reading how #Kamo lost her life. I pray that those who have info come forward and help the police to catch these criminals.”
The tweets were labelled from 1 to 70. The most retweeted of them all was number 69: “69) I’m only 18, but I feel like I’m 43. I’m tired of being South African. Please be safe out there. We live in such a cruel world.”
Once it was discovered that the story was fiction, reactions were mixed. Many tweeps didn’t think that Khuthi intentionally lied about her story since she began tweeting with: “Story time ...”
Many tweeps saw the story as awareness for the plight of women in South Africa. @HTuuda said: “Rest in peace to the real #Kamo’s out there who really went through that nonsense.”
The Department of Women in South Africa agreed. They (@Dept_of_Women) tweeted: “Violence against women and children is real. Khuthi’s story may be fake but in reality there are many #Kamo’s out there.”
However, there were those who were angry after realising the story was fake. @MissAnneDastood tweeted: “Do you understand how harmful it is to fake a rape/murder story? There are people who actually live these things. Shame on you. #Kamo”
@RonaldPhiri01 tweeted: “It’s very insensitive to lie about rape in a country where it’s a sad reality. Now when it actually happens we think they cry wolf... #Kamo”
It brought up an interesting debate on whether it is morally appropriate to write stories like this, even with the best of intentions.
The story hit social media users at the heart and showed that South Africans want change.
@SiphiwoNzawumbi said: “Dear Khuthi, we hereby demand that you reimburse us for our tears, mucus, tissues, high blood pressure and all. Siyacela mntanam. #Kamo”
