Representatives for Limpopo musician Robert Matome Thoka, popularly known as Limpopo Boy, have appealed to the public to stop sharing a private intimate video that has been circulating widely on social media. In a statement released on 9 August, the artist’s management said the clip was obtained and distributed without consent and described the matter as a criminal violation of privacy.
Legal and technical steps under way
The management team said it has engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate how the material was accessed and spread. They also said legal advisers had been instructed and that they were working with hosting platforms to remove links and files from the internet.
“This content was stolen without consent and shared entirely without authorisation. This is a severe violation of privacy and a criminal matter.”
The statement, which the team released on Sunday, did not disclose the platforms on which the material first appeared or any details about how the breach occurred. It also said no further comments would be made at present to protect the integrity of the artist.
What the management says the public can do
Aside from calling on authorities to act, the musician’s team made a direct appeal to internet users to stop downloading, sharing or otherwise interacting with the video. They said continued circulation not only compounds harm to those involved but also risks further unlawful distribution.
- Do not download or share the video or related links.
- Report any posts or accounts hosting the material to the platform.
- Preserve evidence — screenshots and URLs — if you are asked to assist investigators, but avoid redistributing content.
These are the immediate steps the management said it was taking: consulting cybersecurity specialists, instructing legal teams and requesting removal of material from hosting platforms.
Privacy law and possible criminal offences
Experts say unauthorised distribution of intimate images can amount to an invasion of privacy and, depending on the circumstances, may constitute offences under the Criminal Law Amendment Act and other statutes that criminalise the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Civil remedies, including interdicts and claims for damages, are also possible.
The management’s framing of the incident as a "criminal matter" signals an intention to pursue both takedown and legal routes, though the statement did not confirm whether a case had been opened with the South African Police Service or which legal remedies would be sought.
Impact on victims and community
Non-consensual sharing of intimate material often has far-reaching consequences for those depicted, affecting mental health, reputation, employment and relationships. In small communities across Limpopo such incidents can carry an added social stigma, and victims frequently face secondary harm through victim-blaming and persistent online harassment.
Advocacy groups and legal advisers have urged social media users to treat such material as a form of abuse and to actively assist victims by reporting it rather than sharing it further. The management’s public appeal reflects that approach, asking communities to respect privacy and allow formal processes to proceed.
What to expect next
According to the statement, the immediate priorities are identifying how the breach occurred, removing hosted copies and pursuing legal recourse. If a criminal complaint is opened with SAPS, investigators may work with cyber specialists and internet platforms to trace the source and distribution networks.
For members of the public seeking guidance on how to respond if they encounter the video, organisations that support victims of online abuse can provide advice on preserving evidence and reporting material to platforms or police. The management has asked for understanding and said no further comment will be provided while investigations continue.
As this matter develops, anyone with information about the origin or spread of the material is asked to contact the musician’s representatives or relevant authorities rather than share the content online.
Reporting note: The details in this report are drawn from the management statement released on 9 August and media coverage summarising that statement. No further details about the platforms involved or law-enforcement action were provided in the source material.
