The murder of anti-crime activist Pamela Mabini has once again shown that whistle-blowers in South Africa continue to face significant dangers, from retaliation to violent attacks.

This also includes physical harm, intimidation, and loss of jobs and career prospects.

Some have been murdered, and others have fled the country, fearing for their lives and safety.

Mabini, an activist and whistle-blower, was shot and killed outside her home in Kwazakhele, Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.

Mabini, through her non-profit organisation, Maro Foundation, was known for her activism and charitable work to restore dignity and reduce crime and violence in her community.

Her whistleblowing played a crucial role in the arrest of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and others, who are on trial for rape, racketeering, and human trafficking.

She was also a regular attendee of the trial, participating in protests and supporting victims and witnesses.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the South Africa Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said it was disturbing that whistle-blowers, who may not necessarily be witnesses, were often left unprotected and without adequate support systems, making them highly vulnerable to victimisation, intimidation, and other forms of retaliation.

“While the commission continues to gather facts, it remains deeply concerned about the rising trend and recurring pattern of attacks on whistle-blowers, witnesses, and other vulnerable groups.”

Whistle-blowers in South Africa make decisions to blow the whistle based on their strong desire for justice, but because of these acts, they become isolated and vulnerable.

Their stories are all unique, but similarities emerge that paint a picture of struggle and adversity for people seeking to do the right thing in the public interest.

Former Department of Health worker Dr Paul Theron experienced the same when he was suspended in 2007 after he disclosed the poor state of the healthcare system in the facility to Parliament and the Inspecting Judge for Prisons. The then minister of Correctional Services sued him for defamation, although those charges were eventually dropped.

In 2006, shopkeeper and independent bread distributor Imraahn Ismail-Mukaddam complained to the Competition Commission about collusion in the baking industry. His allegation of collusion arose when bakers collectively decided to reduce the discount offered to distributors.

As a result of his charges, the Competition Tribunal found Pioneer Foods, Tiger Brands, and Foodcorp guilty of breaching the Competition Act – the eventual fine ordered being over R90 million.

Despite the importance of this disclosure, his business eventually failed after producers began withdrawing their business. He now works on a variety of consumer fairness issues and continues to pursue justice on behalf of the public good – but he has suffered personal and emotional setbacks because of his actions.