In the heart of Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, a relationship between an 18-year-old girl and an elderly man, has become the centre of a heated debate.
The man, whose age has not been disclosed, claims they are romantically involved, while the girl insists they are merely “chill buddies.”
Elderly Man Claims He Is In A Relationship With An 18-Year-Old Girl
A video circulating on social media platforms has added fuel to the fire. It shows the man stating he is “grooming her until she is ready,” a statement that has raised eyebrows and concern among viewers. On the other hand, the girl firmly denies any romantic involvement, emphasising her focus on her education and future.
A Daveyton 18 year old and an elderly man allegedly in a relationship. The man says they are dating and the girl says they’re just chill buddies. pic.twitter.com/AhbucaLPCz
— Crazy Isht (@ishtCrayCray) March 25, 2024
The ambiguous nature of their relationship has sparked discussions about the legal and ethical implications of age-gap relationships. In South Africa, the legal age of consent is 18, which the girl has just reached. Still, the power dynamics at play raise questions about the appropriateness and consent within such relationships.
The case has also drawn attention to the broader societal issues surrounding relationships with significant age differences. Critics argue that these relationships often involve an imbalance of power, experience, and expectations, which can lead to exploitation or emotional harm.
Supporters of the man argue that the relationship is consensual and that the girl is of legal age to make her own decisions.
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Mzansi Expresses Mixed Sentiments
Social media users had varied emotions about the abnormal relationship.
Lee:
“School kid…Not a good deal.”
Raphael:
“You haven’t seen anything. Saw a dude who raped three 4year Olds. The mothers of these refused to open a case as they were promised R1000.00 each by the father of the perpetrator.”
Keys:
“18 is legal mos.”
Vee:
“The fact that lomkhulu is defending himself around this is crazy.”
Quests:
“As awkward as it looks to me, the girl is 18. No crime committed.”