| Authority: | POPIA |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction: | South Africa |
| Type: | Violation |
| Relevant law: | Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 |
| Outcome: | N/A |
| Started: | N/A |
| Decided: | N/A |
| Published: | N/A |
| Fine: | N/A |
| Parties: | Regulator vs. South African Police Service |
| Case No.: | N/A |
| Appeal: | N/A |
| Original Source: | POPIA |
| Original contributor: | MZIZI Africa |
Contents
An investigation has commenced against the South African Police Service (”SAPS”) for a breach of POPIA following the release of personal information from an active criminal investigation, via WhatsApp.
The Information Regulator has initiated another investigation into SAPS for a breach of POPIA following the release of personal information via WhatsApp.
SAPS has previously been santioned by the Regulator in a similar occurrence.
This latest incident follows investigations into the deaths of prominent businessman Jabulani Ben Gumbi (CAS 557/08/2023) and the late Captain Ernest Dambuza (CAS 334/08/2023).
Sensitive crime scene reports, and other personal information (including car registration numbers and home addresses) of individuals involved in the investigation of the two deaths were distributed widely via WhatsApp.
Reports indicate that POPIA is “…considering measures to be taken against SAPS for this continued transgression of POPIA requirements.”
The ruling is not available but a press release by the Regulator is attached. This is the second time SAPs is suffering a similar breach in as many years.