Centre for Child Law and Others v Media 24 Limited and Others (23871/15) [2017] ZAGPPHC 313; [2017] 3 All SA 862 (GP); 2017 (2) SACR 416 (GP) (11 July 2017)
Court
North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria
Case number
23871/15
Judge
Hughes
Section 154(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act must be interpreted purposively and in light of the Constitution. The protection of anonymity extends to child victims in criminal proceedings, not only accused and witnesses, as the best interests of the child require such protection. However, the statutory age limit of 18 is clear and cannot be judicially extended; any change to the age threshold is for the legislature. The protection applies only within criminal proceedings and does not create a blanket prohibition outside that context. The application for extension of anonymity beyond 18 is dis…