The South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operation has raised alarm over leaked affidavits linked to drug investigations, warning that sensitive disclosures could endanger lives and compromise police work.
The warning follows recent publications in which details, images and personal information of individuals allegedly linked to the investigations were shared publicly.
“The publication or dissemination of leaked affidavits, especially those containing details of witnesses, informants, and evidence poses a direct and dangerous risk to the safety and lives of individuals who have come forward to assist police investigations,” police said.
“It is not only the witnesses’ lives at risk, but their families too. These individuals, who are witnesses in sensitive and high-profile cases, often do so under conditions of trust with the police,” the statement added.
SAPS warned that the premature release of such information could compromise active investigations and expose operational details.
“Furthermore, the premature release of such information has the potential to compromise ongoing investigations and alert criminals about police operations. We would like to emphasise that the protection of witnesses and their families is of critical importance to the work of the police,” the statement said.
The police also called on legal practitioners involved in high-profile cases to avoid leaking information.
“We also make a call to some lawyers, attorneys and advocates working on these high-profile cases not to leak information to the media and to use that information solely to prepare for trial-ready cases,” SAPS said.
Social media users were also urged to refrain from speculation and the naming of individuals linked to investigations.
“We also make an appeal to social media users to refrain from making unnecessary speculations and naming witnesses in cases, as witnesses’ lives are at risk,” the statement added.
SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe echoed the concerns, warning that the circulation of leaked affidavits places lives in danger.
“The publication or dissemination of leaked affidavits, especially those containing details of witnesses, informants and evidence, poses a direct and dangerous risk to the safety and lives of individuals who have come forward to assist police investigations,” Mathe said.
“It is not only the witnesses’ lives at risk, but their families too,” she added.
Mathe further warned that such leaks could undermine investigations.
“Furthermore, the premature release of such information has the potential to compromise ongoing investigations and alert criminals about police operations,” she said.
She reiterated the call for restraint across all platforms.
“We therefore urge members of the media to act in the interest of the lives and families of witnesses and avoid publishing leaked affidavits and their personal information. We also appeal to lawyers and social media users to refrain from leaking or speculating on sensitive case material, as witnesses’ lives are at risk,” Mathe said.
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