Following almost a year since the rape of eight women in Krugersdorp, the South African Police Service (SAPS) have issued a public apology to the victims after their private information was leaked.

A final report following an investigation into the leak of the victims’ personal information revealed that the information was released “inappropriately”. 

This is according to the  National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, who has since publicly apologised to the victims. 

The investigation comes following a report released by the Information Regulator of South Africa, last month, which revealed that the SAPS distributed the personal information of the victims without their consent.

It is understood that the personal information of the victims including their names, surnames, ages and physical addresses were shared on police WhatsApp groups and eventually other social media, violating the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

Following this revelation, Masemola confirmed that the information was shared amongst police officers to find the perpetrators, adding that this was done with no ill intent.

Meanwhile, the National Spokesperson of the Police, Athlenda Mathe., expressed that the SAPS regrets what transpired and apologised to the victims, adding that the management of SAPS is working to ensure that such does not happen again.

Eight women were raped in West Village, Krugersdorp, in July 2022,  whilst shooting a music video at an abandoned minedump. 

This was allegedly by a group of men believed to be Zama Zama. The eight women were raped in July 2022.

14 people were arrested, but were let go after charges were dropped.