Net nanny

Matric papers offered on net
15/10/2007 07:20 - (SA)

Johannesburg - A 20-year-old man who allegedly offered matric exam papers to friends on an internet service was taken into police custody for questioning on Sunday.

Captain Dennis Adriao told Primedia Broadcasting that police received an anonymous SMS tip-off on the 32211 Primedia Crime Line.

It named the man who was allegedly offering the matric exam papers.

The Johannesburg Flying Squad Reservist Unit then raided a house in Azaadville on the West Rand.

"Investigations indicated that the man posted an entry on Facebook last week making the claim. Upon questioning him, he said it was merely a prank.

"We confiscated a computer and cellphone and investigations are continuing," said Adriao.

A decision whether to prosecute the man on a charge of fraud would be taken shortly.

Primedia's Crime Line Manager Yusuf Abramjee said members of the community were continuing to pass on information and "we thank them".

Over 240 suspects have been arrested since the launch of the anti-crime initiative in June this year.

Stolen property, drugs and counterfeit goods to the value of R14.5m have been seized.

"We want to again appeal to the public to continue to break their silence and anonymously SMS 32211 (at a cost of R1) or go to www.crimeline.co.za.

"No matter how small or big the crime, blow the whistle," said Abramjee.
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Yes, but this man did not commit a crime .... yet?
While i applaud the manner in which the police followed through, and the fact that it is taken seriously. Um .... yes, i have 253 uncut diamonds in my possesion.

On the basis of the above, they can arrest me and impound my personal property. This is based on a tip off to facebook. Um, maybe, maybe not, but this thing about arresting people for online posting does NOT bode well.

I guess it's about how it's enforced (as ever) but yes, people are taking notice of who says what. Careful ....