Twitter turmoil as CIC is silenced

Social media giant unwilling to comment

Controversial South African-based tweeter, Man’s Not Barry Roux, has had his Twitter account suspended.

Well known for his explosive Sunday morning tweets‚ @AdvBarryRoux – who was both hero-worshiped and despised – was shut down on Saturday morning. In an e-mailed response‚ a Twitter spokesperson said: “We do not comment on individual accounts for privacy and security reasons. Our copyright policy is outlined in the Twitter rules.”

On its website, Twitter states that to maintain a safe environment for users‚ accounts that violate Twitter rules can be suspended. It adds that common reasons for suspensions include spam‚ the account’s security being at risk and abusive tweets or behaviour.

Twitter says suspensions can be lifted through the filing of an appeal.

The anonymous @AdvBarryRoux‚ who is commonly referred to as “Twitter CIC” [commander-in-chief]‚ has stoked controversy and sparked national debates through challenging tweets on politics‚ abuse of power‚ racism and corruption. The suspension sparked mixed reaction among South Africans, with many demanding to know why the account had been shut down. @ThabanSer tweeted: “Is Mans Not Barry Roux a complete stupid or a hero.” Tweeting his support of the suspension‚ @–Bonga tweeted: “Twitter 1st dealt with Daniel Maven by getting rid of his cult of Free Twitter‚ now it just deal [sic] with Barry Roux.”

@–magakwe tweeted: “So tomorrow it’s the first #sundaytwitter without Advocate Barry Roux?” @kulanicoolwho hashtagged her tweet #ANCManifesto asked: “Who’s gonna a serve [sic] us files since they suspended Barry Roux’s account.”