KEY POINTS
- Man in witness protection program seeks court intervention for protection.
- Violent threats were allegedly sent by a police officer to witness and his family.
- Court issues an interdict to prevent further harm from the officer.
A man, referred to as Mr. M, has asked the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg for urgent protection.
He claims a police officer has been sending death threats to him and his family. The threats, he says, began after his involvement in a murder trial. Mr. M feels his life is in danger. He fears for his family’s safety as well.
Mr. M filed for an interdict against a female SAPS officer. The interdict aims to prevent the officer or anyone acting on her behalf from harming him.
The officer denies sending the threats, but Mr. M insists they came from her. His application was heard by the court after he sought immediate protection.
The nature of the death threats
The court heard about the threatening messages Mr. M received. According to IOL, these threats started nearly two years ago and came from seven different phone numbers. The messages warned that Mr. M and his family would be killed “like dogs.” They also included the chilling phrase “bang bang,” which seemed to imply gunfire.
The messages contained specific details about Mr. M’s life. The sender knew his car, his movements, and his residence. Some texts even described how Mr. M was followed. His wife was also targeted with derogatory remarks. The constant threats raised serious concerns for Mr. M’s safety.
Evidence linking the police officer to threats
Judge Stuart Wilson noted important details in the case. One of the threatening phone numbers was linked to the SAPS officer’s identity number. Additionally, one of the messages used a surname, which seemed to point to her. Although the officer denied sending the threats, the evidence was compelling.
Previously, Mr. M obtained a protection order against the officer. Afterward, he received another message stating that no court would stop the officer from killing him. The officer claims someone else used her identity, but the evidence suggests otherwise.
The court has issued an interdict against the officer. She now has until June 4 to respond to the case. Until then, Mr. M and his family remain under the court’s protection.
