Murder Witness Loses R2 Million Bid After SAPS Leak Exposes His Identity

Northern Cape man’s safety fears dismissed by court after police allegedly shared private information

In a chilling case that has raised serious questions about confidentiality in the South African Police Service (SAPS), a murder witness identified only as KM has lost his court bid to secure R2 million in relocation funds after his personal details were leaked following a fatal shooting in Kuruman.

KM, the sole witness to the June 1 murder of his employer, approached the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley, saying SAPS had not only failed to protect him, but had put his life in danger. He claimed he needed urgent funds to relocate, secure accommodation, access medical care, and support himself for at least five years, after the leak placed him in potential harm’s way.

How trust turned into trauma

KM told the court that after witnessing the murder, he cooperated with police, assuming his identity would remain confidential. But shortly after making his statement, he discovered that his name and home address were circulated in an internal police communication. The information later surfaced in a WhatsApp family group — and from there, spread to social media.

His anxiety escalated when reports emerged that an alleged gangster was killed days later in a strikingly similar fashion — fuelling KM’s belief that the murder he witnessed may have been part of a broader criminal plot.

Despite reporting his fears to the investigating officers, KM said he received no meaningful protection or investigation into the breach. He briefly relocated to a nearby town, but said he no longer trusts SAPS and believes they cannot guarantee his safety, even at his new address.

Crucially, KM also rejected the Witness Protection Programme, claiming it would place him under the authority of a system he no longer believes in. “I want protection, not surveillance,” he told the court, in essence.

SAPS denies wrongdoing, court throws out application

Colonel Kanakang, who led the initial investigation, denied breaching KM’s rights. He told the court he offered KM protection, which KM allegedly declined, saying he preferred to make his own arrangements.

In his reply, KM vehemently denied being offered such assistance, insisting no effort was made to support or safeguard him, and that the leak came from within SAPS.

While Judge Cecile Williams acknowledged KM’s fears were legitimate, she ruled that he had not made a strong enough case for R2 million in damages. She noted that the Witness Protection Programme — run by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), not SAPS — remained a viable and independent remedy available to him.

“The police have in my view failed in their duty to serve and protect the applicant,” Judge Williams said, “and at the very least, must investigate who amongst their ranks is responsible for the violation.”

Still, KM’s application was dismissed, with the court saying the statutory route through the NPA offered sufficient protection and that the extraordinary relief sought from SAPS could not be granted.

Public reaction: Growing concern over SAPS credibility

The story has triggered sharp public criticism of SAPS, with social media users pointing to a pattern of negligence and mishandling of sensitive information.

“How is anyone supposed to feel safe giving evidence in this country?” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “They’re asking for witnesses but can’t even keep their addresses secret.”

Others defended KM’s refusal to join the Witness Protection Programme, citing limited transparency and accountability within the system.

Bigger questions remain

This case isn’t just about one man’s trauma,it’s about the erosion of trust in law enforcement, particularly in communities where witnesses are often the only line of justice between the public and organised crime.

Though Judge Williams’ ruling is legally sound, it raises ethical questions: Should victims be expected to trust a system that’s already failed them?

Until KM’s case is resolved internally or the police publicly address the leak, it’s likely that others may think twice before cooperating with the justice system, especially in cases that carry high personal risk.

For now, KM says he remains in fear, in hiding, and deeply let down by the very people he turned to for help.

{Source: IOL}

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