The Gauteng South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Counter Intelligence Operation says it has noted with serious concern the circulation and publication of leaked affidavits linked to ongoing investigations into drug-related criminal networks in the country.
The SAPS noted the publication of certain information and pictures on the front page of The Sunday Times newspaper.
“While the SAPS recognises and respects the vital role played by the media in promoting accountability and uncovering the truth, we urge all media houses, especially the Sunday Times, journalists, social media content creators to exercise responsibility and restraint in handling such sensitive information,” the police said in a statement.
According to the police, 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.
Not only are the witnesses’ lives placed at risk, but their families too. These individuals who are witnesses in sensitive and high-profile cases often do so under conditions of trust to the police, said the police.
The police added that the premature release of such information has the potential to compromise ongoing investigations and alert criminals on police ongoing investigations.
“We would like to emphasise that the protection of witnesses and their families is of critical importance to the work of the police.
“We therefore urge members of the media, especially "The Sunday Times" to act in the interest of the lives and the families of witnesses and avoid publishing leaked affidavits and their personal 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 use that information solely to prepare for trial ready cases. We also make an appeal to social media users to also refrain from making unnecessary speculations and naming witnesses on cases, as witnesses lives are at risk,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za
