Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) awards a GLAD¹ to The Citizen for responsibly reporting on a highly sensitive case involving the rape of a nine-year-old girl, committed by a 45-year-old groom on his wedding day. The article, “Limpopo groom sentenced to life for raping 9-year-old girl on his wedding day” (30/07/2025) by Faizel Patel, details the sentencing handed down by the Polokwane High Court, ensuring the survivor’s identity is fully protected throughout the piece.
The report incorporates key voices including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson and the state advocate while taking care to withhold any information that might directly or indirectly identify the child, stating that the name is withheld to protect the victim’s identity.
MMA commends The Citizen for adhering to ethical guidelines and legal protections for children, particularly in sexual offence cases. Section 154(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act prohibits the identification of child victims, and the Sexual Offences Act reinforces these protections. Additionally, by not disclosing identifying details such as the child’s name, address, photographs, or relationship specifics, the journalist aligns with Article 16 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child², which safeguards children from unlawful interference with their privacy. South Africa ratified this treaty in 1995, committing to uphold these principles.
By handling the case with sensitivity and avoiding sensationalism, the journalist prevents further trauma to the survivor while still informing the public about the crime, the conviction, and the broader issue of gender-based violence. The piece demonstrates that even in reporting on disturbing events, it is possible to centre the rights and dignity of the child.
MMA encourages The Citizen to continue upholding high ethical standards in its coverage of children, ensuring that survivors’ identities are protected and that their stories are told with accuracy, empathy, and respect.
Written by Nthabiseng Mahlangu
Edited by Ntombifuthi Kubeka
¹ GLADs are awarded to media for reporting on children responsibly and for protecting their best interests.
² https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child