Roland Schoeman threatens to sue troll over 'rapist' claims
The South African gold medallist now lives in the US and works as a qualified real estate agent.
In 2022, he became a naturalised US citizen.
On his X account, Roland Schoeman threatened legal action against an X user who called him a 'rapist', 'racist' and 'paedophile'.
The former Olympic swimmer posted a screenshot of the defamatory post, tagging Barry Bateman, who is part of AfriForum's private prosecution department.
'I have a case I'd like to run by you, please', he posted.
Schoeman also tagged the SAPS, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the Boston police in the US.
In another post, Roland Schoeman responded directly to the anonymous social media user, sharing: 'You called me a racist and a rapist with zero proof. Big talk from a faceless coward hiding behind a screen.
'You want a face-to-face? Cool. Drop your name and info. Let the world see who's running their mouth. Until then, sit down. You're just another spineless troll trying to bait outrage because your life's irrelevant.'
In South Africa, defamation – where a false statement is made about an individual, whether written or spoken – is a civil offence, and not a criminal one.
Damages can be awarded to the complainant if the following has occurred: Reputational harm
Financial loss
Emotional distress Roland Schoeman has threatened legal action against a troll.Images via X:
@ronaldschoeman
Complainants can also demand a public apology or retraction and be awarded their legal costs.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Why Orlando Pirates strikers were missing on Saturday
The future of Orlando Pirates strikers Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa became a hot topic following their surprising absence in the team's recent MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Polokwane City. The duo, who have shared the number nine role under former coach Jose Riveiro, were both missing from the matchday squad, raising eyebrows among supporters and analysts alike. In their place, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou opted to start with young forward Boitumelo Radiopane, while Orlando Pirates' new striker signing Yanela Mbuthuma (23) debuted from the bench. Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa, who scored 15 and 10 goals last season, did not make the matchday squad. Abdeslam Ouaddou coach reads Mofokeng news Orlando Pirates players celebrate Patrick Maswanganyi's goal against Polokwane City in the MTN8 at the Orlando Stadium. Image: Goal 'Makgopa and Mabasa are very important players for me,' said Ouaddou, as quoted by KickOff . 'I know them from before. You have to understand that this season we have a big squad. It will be important to play with freshness because Orlando Pirates will play in many competitions. New Orlando Pirates signings: Six Bafana players 'So, like I said we win games with starting XI, but we win competitions with a group. So, everyone's contribution will be important this season. 'First of all, I want to say give love to everybody, bring the human being on the table. It is important to put trust on the table and not the playing role as a coach. 'I think the dynamics and the size of the club, the number of competitions that the club will play and the love that the coach is giving can help to keep everybody happy,' concluded the 46-year-old Orlando Pirates mentor. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
New Orlando Pirates signing Mariko sent to Chippa United!
Newly-signed Orlando Pirates midfielder Abdoulaye S Mariko has been loaned out to Chippa United. The Mali defensive midfielder will spend the current campaign on loan at Chippa United as Pirates want him to familiarise himself with South African football. He joined Pirates alongside Abdoulaye D Mariko, who is an attacking midfielder and has already made his official debut. Chippa United took to their official social media pages to announce Mariko as their newest and EIGHTH signing of the campaign. As reported by The South African, Chippa United unveiled SEVEN new signings on Wednesday, including two other players from Pirates in Goodman Mosele and Azola Tshobeni. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. NB: The two Mariko are NOT related despite both hailing from Mali where they played for the same team Djoliba AC.
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
10 Gauteng cops arrested for theft have been granted bail
Six metro and four Saps officers face theft charges for not recording cash and goods seized during a raid. Ten police officers who were arrested on theft charges in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, have been granted R1 500 bail each. FN Dlamini, 25; NF Sambane, 41; MH Mabasa, 29; EZ Dlalisa, 33; T Sidebi, 29; T Kgagara, 31; Sergeant M Mashala, 43; Constable T Mokhabukhi, 28; Constable MM Mongalo, 33; and Constable TN Matsane, 35, appeared before the Germiston Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, where their bail application was unopposed. Accused officers from metro police and SAPS units Six of them are members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department officers, while four are members of the Tsakane South African Police Services (Saps). The officers were arrested after an Edenvale shop owner alleged that during a raid on his business premises on 4 June, the officers seized R35 000 in cash, cigarettes worth R150 000, and boxes of Panado tablets. Officers part of joint operation They were part of a joint law enforcement operation aimed at monitoring compliance at shops in the area. ALSO READ: Cops charged with kidnapping Chinese national out on bail National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the shop owner alleges he was not present during the raid but was later informed by his cashier that the police had confiscated the items. During the raid, the officers arrested the cashier for trading in illicit cigarettes and another employee for violating immigration rules. Missing cash never logged as evidence Mjonondwane said the seized goods were allegedly placed in several refuse bags to be submitted as exhibits. 'However, the complainant claims that upon his arrival at the police station, only one refuse bag had been registered,' she said. 'Furthermore, the cash was neither returned nor recorded in the SAP13 register – the official register used for documenting exhibits seized during criminal investigations.' The matter has been postponed to 8 September for further investigation. NOW READ: Police told crime victim to investigate their own case
