Saps summonsed over the alleged leaking of Krugersdorp rape victims personal information

The information regulator has issued a summons to the South African Police Services (SAPS) on details related to the release of personal information of the Krugersdorp rape victims by the police.

This follows “failure by the SAPS” to provide sufficient details regarding the circumstances which led to the disclosure of the eight women’s personal information, after the were allegedly raped by a mob in West Village, Krugersdorp on July 28.

Spokesperson, Nomzamo Zondi said after the horrific incident the leaking of the victims’ personal information- including home addresses, names and other personal information- constituted interference.

“Following this incident, the regulator says it was made aware that the personal information of the victims, including their names, ages, home addresses and the nature of the violations against the victims, had been shared via the WhatsApp platform, allegedly being leaked by Saps officials.

“For the regulator this constitutes interference, by Saps with the protection of personal information of data subjects (the victims),” Zondi said.

In order to determine whether SAPS has interfered or is interfering with the protection of personal information of the data subjects, Zondi said the regulator has issued an Information Notice in terms of Popia Section 90 to SAPS.

The regulator is demanding that Saps furnishes it with the certain information including; the purpose for drafting the WhatsApp message and the identity of those individuals, to whom the WhatsApp message was circulated (detailing a list of names of names of recipients, their job titles, employer/s and cell phone numbers to which the message was circulated).

“The regulator also demands information regarding the date/s on which the message was circulated to the recipients; the time and the date when the WhatsApp message was circulated beyond the group it was intended for, and the identity of the individuals to whom it was sent,” Zondi said.

“Additionally, the regulator demanded to know who circulated the message beyond the original group for whom the message was intended.”

Source: The Citizen, IOL, Rekord, ENCA, image from Twitter: Daily Maverick

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

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