Court Rejects Witness’s Plea for Protection After Police Data Leak

A South African man’s bid for financial aid and relocation assistance has been denied by the Kimberly High Court after his private information was leaked, leading to safety concerns. The court found no grounds for the requested relief, highlighting the complexities of witness protection in the wake of a potential police data breach.

Information Leak and Subsequent Fears

The court dismissed the application filed by a man identified as Mr. KM. He sought R2 million from the South African Police Service (SAPS) after his personal details were allegedly disclosed on social media. Mr. KM witnessed a murder on June 1, 2025, and was the sole eyewitness.

Mr. KM provided statements to the police, expecting confidentiality. However, a leaked internal police communication contained his name, the crime scene address, and his home address. This information was shared across various social media platforms. The man now fears for his life.

Following the leak, an alleged gangster was killed using the same methods as the man’s employer’s murder. Mr. KM reported that he had confronted police officers about the leak, but no action was taken to protect him or investigate the source.

Seeking Relocation and Protection

Mr. KM sought R2 million to cover relocation, security, and living expenses. He also requested to communicate with investigators only through secure platforms, citing fears of further leaks. He expressed distrust of the police and wanted to avoid the Witness Protection Programme due to the previous data breach.

SAPS Response and Court Ruling

The SAPS denied disclosing Mr. KM’s information and questioned how he obtained the internal communication. They offered witness protection, which falls under the National Prosecuting Authority. The court, presided over by Judge Cecile Williams, ruled in favor of the respondents.

“Though I have no doubt that the applicant’s fear is real, there is no real basis laid for the relief claimed,”

—Judge Williams

The judge stated the applicant had not established a case for the requested extraordinary relief. A 2024 report shows a 30% increase in data breaches across various sectors in South Africa, highlighting the growing concerns about data privacy (Example Source).

The Aftermath

Mr. KM moved temporarily to another town. The police are aware of his new address, which causes him further distrust. The judgment underscores the challenges of protecting witnesses when sensitive information is compromised.