Journalists and media houses have been urged not to publish leaked affidavits linked to ongoing drug-related investigations, including those connected to the murder of South African DJ, Oupa Sefoka.
Police say the leak has placed the lives of witnesses and their families at serious risk.
This follows the circulation and publication of affidavits linked to ongoing investigations into drug-related criminal networks in the country.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) has noted such publication on the front page of ‘The Sunday Times’ newspaper, where certain DJs’ information and pictures were published,” said national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.
“While 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 and social media content creators to exercise responsibility and restraint when handling such sensitive information,” she said.
Mathe warned that the publication or dissemination of leaked affidavits, particularly those containing details of witnesses, informants, and evidence, poses a direct and dangerous threat to those assisting police investigations.
“It’s not only the witnesses’ lives at risk, but their families too. These individuals often come forward under conditions of trust with the police in sensitive and high-profile cases,” she added.
Lawyers, attorneys and advocates involved in these high-profile matters have also been urged not to leak information to the media, and to use such material strictly for trial preparation.