The Stream

Spectators live-tweet alleged suicide attempt in Cape Town

South African netizens question use of social media during #CivicCentreMan emergency in the city.

The city of Cape Town as the sun sets and lights are switched on in Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct 26, 2011. (AP/SCHALK VAN ZUYDAM)

The live-tweeting of a man’s alleged suicide attempt in Cape Town, South Africa on Thursday has some criticising netizens’ insensitivity. While some used the hashtag #CivicCentreMan to poke fun at the man standing at the top of the city’s Civic Centre building, others used it to question social media ethics during emergencies.