We, the undersigned, wish to take a strong stand against the ongoing targeted harassment, bullying, and threats of violence directed at the 4 minor children of single mother Asanda Zito, during TikTok live streams conducted by the above and following people: 

Wendy Basholo, Boniswa Bombi, Asanda Hobongwana; Lina Bekwa; Nombongo Laura Mkhozwana.

This abusive and criminal behavior has been occurring for over a year, growing more aggressive and harmful over time and has further escalated to include the mother, Asanda Zito’s late brother, Sihle Zito. The individuals involved have repeatedly mocked and spoken ill of the deceased, using his name and memory in a cruel and disrespectful manner. In one of the most disturbing acts, they went so far as to stage a fake funeral for Asanda on a TikTok Live stream.

While more than one of Asanda Zito’s children have been targeted, the primary victims are 3-year-old Alunamda Zito and her brother Ngcali Zito who have both endured repeated, public humiliation and abuse on these live broadcasts. 

These adult TikTok users have been witnessed to:
• Mock 3 year old Alunamda’s speech and mannerisms, imitating her voice in cruel and demeaning ways.
• Ridicule her physical appearance, body, and expressions.
• Insult and speculate maliciously about her paternity, spreading defamatory remarks about her family.
• Question her cognitive development, making harmful comments about her mental and developmental abilities.
• Encourage others in live chats to join in the bullying.
• Threaten to have the minors physically harmed, including direct statements implying or expressing intent to cause violence or incite others to do so.

These actions go beyond bullying as they constitute criminal intimidation and child endangerment, conducted in public view on a global platform.

There is substantial evidence, including:

• Recordings of live streams where the minors are mocked, insulted, and threatened.
• Screenshots of comment sections and chats showing threats of physical harm.
• Reposted clips and duets amplifying the abuse across multiple TikTok accounts.

This evidence establishes a coordinated, prolonged campaign of harassment and intimidation targeting children, particularly the 3-year-old, for humiliation, defamation, and threats of violence.

Violations Identified
1. TikTok’s Community Guidelines strictly prohibit harassment, bullying, violent threats, and any harm directed toward minors. However we have been unsuccessful in reporting in real time.
2. TikTok Live Safety Policies forbid the use of live streams to harass, intimidate, or endanger others, particularly minors.
3. South African Law:
o Protection from Harassment Act, 2011 (Act No. 17 of 2011): Prohibits conduct causing harm, distress, or fear, including threats of violence.
o Cybercrimes Act, 2021: Criminalizes malicious digital communications, intimidation, and incitement of violence online.
o Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005): Requires the protection of minors from all forms of physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
o Criminal Law Amendment Act: Makes it a prosecutable offense to threaten or incite violence, especially against a child.

Our Cause
We call upon TikTok and the relevant South African authorities to:

1. Immediately suspend and investigate all identified accounts responsible for this harassment and intimidation.
2. Remove all live stream content, recordings, and reposts containing abuse or threats against the minors.
3. Permanently ban users who have issued threats or engaged in repeated child-targeted bullying.
4. Enhance live moderation protocols to identify and stop harassment or threats against minors in real time.
5. Collaborate with law enforcement to ensure that individuals making or inciting threats of physical harm are held criminally accountable.
6. Provide direct support or contact for the affected families to ensure the children’s safety and emotional well-being.

The live nature of these attacks magnifies the trauma. The minors, especially the 3-year-old, are being publicly degraded, dehumanized, and threatened with violence before live audiences. This constitutes child abuse, digital harassment, and criminal intimidation.

We urge TikTok, law enforcement, and child protection authorities to take urgent, coordinated action to stop these individuals, enforce laws, and protect these children from further harm.

Signed,
Concerned citizens, parents, and online safety advocates