PROJECT: WHEN THOSE WHO PROTECT US BECOME TARGETS
- Isabel Spies
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
PLEASE SHARE THE PUBLIC DOCUMENT
South Africa has witnessed disturbing losses among members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
These are not isolated events.
Each fallen officer represents a family in mourning, vital institutional knowledge lost, and a blow to our collective safety.
RECENT EXAMPLES:
These cases are a few among many that highlight the growing threat:
Constable Boikokobetso Retlotlisitswe Sonopo – Eastern Cape:
A 26-year-old officer, less than a year in service, was killed in an ambush while on patrol in Mount Fletcher.
Constable Sonopo was among 27 SAPS officers honoured for losing their lives in the line of duty.
Two Detectives – Roodepoort, Gauteng:
In August 2025, two SAPS detectives were shot and killed while transporting a suspect in Roodepoort.
Sergeant Simon Masenye & Warrant Officer Sintwa – Gauteng:
Sergeant Masenye (45) and Warrant Officer Sintwa were killed while on duty.
Their deaths were publicly mourned by SAPS leadership, who visited their grieving families.
WHY THESE CASES MATTER:
These incidents reveal that police officers are increasingly being targeted while performing their core duties.
Rank, experience, or seniority offer no protection against violent, well-armed criminals.
Officers face threats from criminals and from systemic issues, including corruption, intimidation, and interference with investigations.
THE IMPOSSIBLE POSITION MANY OFFICERS FACE:
For many SAPS members, honesty and duty come at a heavy price.
Officers who:
Expose corruption or criminal collusion,
Refuse to take bribes, or
Investigate powerful individuals or syndicates, often face retaliation.
This can include:
Direct threats to their lives or families,
Ostracism from compromised colleagues or superiors,
Loss of promotions or career opportunities,
Severe psychological stress, and
Violent attacks.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR OFFICERS UNDER THREAT:
Officers facing danger should take immediate, practical measures to protect themselves and their families:
Prioritise personal safety.
Remove yourself from immediate danger and call for emergency support when necessary.
Securely document threats or bribery attempts.
Save evidence, voice notes, screenshots, and witness information using secure or encrypted platforms.
Use protected reporting channels.
Report internally using protected disclosure mechanisms or to independent oversight bodies such as IPID, especially if SAPS structures are compromised.
Avoid confronting suspects while alone.
Always have witnesses or recordings present when dealing with hostile individuals.
Seek independent assistance.
Contact trusted legal counsel or external investigative bodies for additional protection and support.
Specialised Security Services provides confidential support, investigative expertise,
and risk assessments to all SAPS members under threat.
All information shared with us is treated with the utmost confidentiality.
South Africa’s police officers risk their lives daily to keep communities safe.
We urge the public to:
Provide credible information to SAPS,
Cooperate with investigations, and
Report crimes or threats against officers.
By standing together, communities can help protect those who protect us.
RELEVANT NEWS ARTICLES:
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.
