I'll deal with you: Redi Tlhabi to online trolls

In a series of tweets, Redi Tlhabi has warned that she will not tolerate threats to her family, saying trolls are ‘fine and amusing’ … but ‘if you want to play, let’s play’.
Image: Madelene Cronjé

Veteran radio broadcaster and journalist Redi Tlhabi says those who cross the line with threats and defamation will be dealt with.

In a series of tweets, Tlhabi warned that she will not tolerate threats to her family, saying trolls are fine and amusing but “if you want to play, let’s play”.

“I will share with you how easy it was, through legal means, to identify them, find their work places, contact their bosses, serve legal letters and watch fireworks. One fool at a time,” her tweet read.

When responding to comment from a follower who said most trolls are unemployed, Tlhabi said: “You’d be surprised. There’s one who owns a PR company … but uses a pseudonym.

“I did my homework, dear. Trust me. So if they want to play, let’s play. I’m not talking about people who just throw insults. I’m talking about well thought out, strategic campaigns.”

In a different tweet she said South Africans are often too busy to take advantage of the law, adding that if legal boundaries are crossed, they should be tested.

She told TimesLIVE on Tuesday that her legal matter was ongoing and she would comment later.

Trolls are fine. Amusing. But those who cross line with threats & defamation, mark this tweet. I will share with you how easy it was, through legal means, to identify them, find their work places, contact their bosses, serve legal letters & watch FIREWORKS. One fool at a time.
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) August 5, 2019

I don't threaten it. I actually take it. Big difference 🙌🙌 https://t.co/wnK2u28oHp
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) August 6, 2019

Happy to ignore idiots. And insults are fine😴. But there is systematic crossing of line. And we are often too busy to take advantage of law. Not all these actions come from "silly bots" or "unemployed poor". Some are sophisticated professionals. I'm going for the moneyed one😂 https://t.co/xpYlhoTAnD
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) August 6, 2019

You'd be surprised..There's one who owns a PR company….but uses a pseudonym. I did my homework dear. Trust me. So if they want to play, let's play. I'm not talking about people who just throw insults. I'm talking about well thought out, strategic campaigns. https://t.co/dCJa8m41ec
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) August 5, 2019

No, not if there are threats to my children, not if someone calls my mom a cunt, not if my husband and I are accused of serious crimes. You can afford to leave it. I bet no one remembers when you are insulted? I wish I had that privilege. Thanks for caring 🤗🤗 https://t.co/52ZQ8TIPdI
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) August 5, 2019

I agree & think trolls, bots & people who hate & insult are fine. Can't police that. But we must make distinction between that & Bell Pottinger type of coordinated campaign. Latter often resourced/or run by people using company infrastructure. Going after just one will suffice https://t.co/MJt6kIWn3q
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) August 6, 2019

In July, Tlhabi said she had received death threats following former president Jacob Zuma’s testimony at the state capture commission of inquiry.

Zuma claimed that Tlhabi was a “spy” and there had been a “co-ordinated attempt to assassinate” his character, including branding him a rapist.

Tlhabi has applied to the commission to cross-examine Zuma on the allegations.