Zanele Sifuba Nigeria free state sex tape revenge porn

Zanele Sifuba is the victim of revenge porn, experts say – Photo: Supplied

Zanele Sifuba sex tape: Nigeria wary of ‘xenophobic’ backlash

Things are moving quickly in the Zanele Sifuba scandal – but there are now fears from Nigeria that the case could spark ‘xenophobia’.

Zanele Sifuba Nigeria free state sex tape revenge porn

Zanele Sifuba is the victim of revenge porn, experts say – Photo: Supplied

The scandal rocking politics in the Free State has commanded both national AND continental attention this week. Zanele Sifuba, the provincial ANC Speaker, became the victim of revenge porn. This, after a sexually explicit video of her was leaked online. But why is Nigeria now involved?

Zanele Sifuba latest: Sex tape storm ‘causing concern’ for Nigeria

Since the footage was made public, allegations have been made against Zanele Sifuba’s former partner. The ex-boyfriend, who reportedly tried to blackmail the politician, has been the subject of intense speculation on social media. His nationality has become a major talking point.

Some publications have claimed that the man is from Nigeria. However, these suggestions are yet to be verified. A police investigation is currently underway, and the authorities are yet to confirm the identity of ‘the leaker’.

This whole episode has prompted the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg to issue a strongly-worded statement. They are imploring all of those taking an interest in the story to ‘refrain from drawing conclusions’ about the perpetrator’s background.

Zanele Sifuba Nigeria Free State Sex Tape rEVENGE Porn
Zanele Sifuba has also been praised for refusing to give in to a blackmail attempt – Photo: Supplied

Fears of ‘xenophobic violence’ raised by consular officials

The diplomatic office has vowed to provide any assistance, should the suspect indeed turn out to be a Nigerian national. However, until official confirmation has been provided, consular officials have warned that the rumours ‘could lead’ to an increase in xenophobic sentiments.

  • According to representatives from Nigeria, such speculation ‘puts the lives and properties of law-abiding foreign nationals at risk’.

“The Mission unequivocally condemns and distances all law-abiding Nigerians from the egregious and reprehensible violation of Zanele Sifuba’s privacy by anyone, whether Nigerian or not. We empathise with the honourable member over the regrettable incident.”

“While awaiting the outcome of investigations into the real identity of the perpetrator of this heinous crime, we call on the media to refrain from definitive conclusions on the nationality of the suspect. It may put the lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians in South Africa at risk.”

“The Consulate General therefore reassures host authorities of its full support and co-operation towards the identification, tracking, arrest and prosecution of any Nigerian believed to be responsible or complicit in the mindless circulation of the sex tape.” | Nigerian Consulate