Ernst Roets, director of Lex Libertas, initiates an investigation into South Africans who celebrate violence on social media following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This initiative comes in the wake of the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which elicited a disturbing wave of celebratory sentiments among certain users online.
Roets expressed his profound outrage, saying, ‘It’s absolutely shameful to see the extent to which some people are willing to go, also in South Africa, to encourage and celebrate and incite violence and hatred on social media,’
His comments reflect a deep concern that the online ecosystem has become a breeding ground for hate and violence, especially following international events that might inspire local reactions.
We are investigating people in South Africa that are celebrating and inciting death and violence on social media. We will submit the relevant information to their employers. If you have information to share, write to us at [email protected]. pic.twitter.com/6DUHGpIacQ
— Ernst Roets (@ErnstRoets) September 16, 2025
According to Roets, the investigation is focused on identifying individuals and groups who have openly celebrated Kirk’s death, which occurred in the United States, and have used his assassination as a justification for advocating violence in South Africa.
‘We saw this especially over the last week or so after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk,’ Roets noted.
As part of the inquiry, Roets and his team plan to collect information about these individuals, including their professional affiliations.
He stated, ‘We also intend to write to their employers because we believe that an employer has the right to know if people that are working for a particular institution are engaged with incitement or celebration of violence,’
He hopes, will serve as a deterrent against such inflammatory behaviour and encourage broader accountability in the digital space.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
