The administrators of the controversial WhatsApp groups, “Byo Men Exposed” and “Byo Women and Men Exposed,” causing uproar in Bulawayo, have been unmasked.
Initially, three administrators were identified for “Bulawayo Men Exposed,” known as BYO MEN EXPOSED, Mss Pryde, and Slay with Kia. Investigations revealed that Mss Pryde is none other than Pride Mpofu, an actress known for her roles in various productions such as “Mr Perfect,” “Cook Off,” and “Vhunze,” among others. Mpofu’s involvement in the group has raised eyebrows, given her prominence in the entertainment industry.
Speaking about the creation of the group, one of the administrators, Kiacy Chigudu, who goes by the name Kia, explained that it was initially intended for harmless discussions about relationships and drama. However, the group took a darker turn when individuals started posting about married individuals, leading to concerns about privacy and cyberbullying.
The Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, issued a warning against cyberbullying, emphasizing that it is a criminal offense. He urged aggrieved parties to report such incidents to the nearest police station.
According to the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act [Chapter 11:22] of 2019, any person found guilty of unlawfully generating and sending data messages with the intent to intimidate, harass, or cause emotional distress can be charged with an offense.
The groups, “Byo Men Exposed” and “Byo Women and Men Exposed,” have attracted over 1,000 members each, with rules prohibiting cyberbullying and fighting over individuals.
Chigudu, one of the administrators, expressed readiness to cooperate with the police in their investigation, denying involvement in the creation of the group and insisting that her role was limited to adding members.
Meanwhile, Mpofu declined to comment on the matter, dismissing it as “not serious.”
Despite some administrators distancing themselves from the groups, concerns remain about the potential harm caused by online harassment and cyberbullying. Authorities are expected to take swift action to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
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