The Voice of the Cape | Ragheema Mclean | 12 March 2026

In many communities, crime is not always committed by strangers. Sometimes the person responsible is someone people know personally, a friend, neighbour, or even a family member. This raises a difficult and often emotional question: what should someone do if they know a loved one has committed a crime?

For many people, reporting someone close to them can feel like a betrayal. Family loyalty, fear of damaging relationships, and concerns about retaliation can make it extremely difficult to come forward.

At the same time, the issue raises broader questions about justice and public safety. Remaining silent could allow criminal behaviour to continue, potentially placing others at risk.

A recent VOC News poll asked respondents: “If you knew a family member or close friend committed a crime, would you report them?” Just over half of those who participated said the law should come first, even when the person involved is someone close to them.

However, a significant portion, nearly half, admitted they would feel conflicted. Many said they would either stay out of the situation or protect their loved one. The results highlight the moral and emotional dilemma many people face when crime intersects with family loyalty.

Ben Theron, Executive Director of The Whistleblower House, says fear and personal risk are very real barriers for those who choose to speak out.

“Some whistleblowers have lost their jobs. They face legal battles over the last few years and are socially and financially isolated,” Theron explained.

“When somebody speaks about family members, they can also become isolated. Imagine the broader community in your employment environment where you lose your job and struggle to find another one. It’s a very fine balance that individuals walk when they see something wrong being done.”

Listen to the full interview with Theron here.

Meanwhile, from a legal perspective, the obligation to report a crime is not always straightforward.
Criminal defence attorney William Booth says it is important to distinguish between moral responsibility and legal duty.

“From a moral perspective, every South African should report crime — that goes without saying,” Booth noted.

“But whether there is a legal obligation for every person to report crime is a different matter.”

He explained that certain professions do carry a legal duty to report offences. Law enforcement officers, for example, are required to report crimes as part of their role. In addition, under legislation such as the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, professionals including psychologists and psychiatrists are legally required to report information relating to sexual offences.

“For the average citizen, there generally isn’t a legal obligation to report a crime they have witnessed,” Booth said.

“However, if the police become aware that you may have knowledge of a crime, you can be subpoenaed to appear before a magistrate to provide information about what you witnessed.”

Listen to the full interview with Booth here.

Read article on the VOC FM website here.