Daily Voice compromises child’s identity
Section 154 (3)[1] of the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act of 2021 clearly outlines the conditions under which the media can identify children.
It is troubling that some media outlets continue to ignore these regulations and ethical guidelines when reporting on children, the article “Boy,15, shot by gangsters: Kid in hospital after hit in the back” (30/06/2024) by the Daily Voice has disregarded the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act and neglected the best interest of a child.
Therefore, Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) issues a MAD[2] to the publication. This article reveals the identity of a 15-year-old boy who was injured in gang crossfire, along with details about his family and the incident. According to this article a teenager survived being shot in the back during a gang crossfire in Manenberg on Sunday. According to his family, He was at home in the morning but left with a friend to go to the friend’s house when the incident occurred on their way. His friend was unharmed. Residents reported that the same shooters also killed a reformed gangster and another man during the incident.
In the case of the teenager, the Daily Voice’s publication of his name and his family and detailed personal information following the tragic incident in Manenberg flagrantly disregards the protection mandated under Section 154 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act of 2021. By disclosing his identity as a 15-year-old, along with specifics about his family and the location of the incident, the article exposes him to potential risks and violates legal safeguards intended to shield minors from unnecessary harm and attention.
Considering that the teenager is reportedly an innocent bystander in a gang crossfire in the incident, it is imperative to note that revealing his identity in media reports violates his rights to privacy and contradicts the provisions of Section 28.2 of the Bill of Rights[3]. This section emphasizes that “a child’s best interests must be paramount in all matters concerning the child”. By disclosing his name and personal details, Daily Voice disregarded these protections and failed to uphold its own press code, specifically under section 5.3.2[4], which mandates “the interests of the privacy and the reputation of the child shall be considered and, where necessary, protected”. This oversight not only exposes him to potential harm such as victimization and discrimination but also sets a concerning precedent for media ethics regarding minors.
MMA urges Daily Voice and all media outlets to exercise caution and adhere to legal and ethical frameworks when reporting on children involved in incidents of crime or abuse. It is imperative that media reports minimize harm to children and prioritize their best interests, as mandated by Section 28.2 of the Bill of Rights. Therefore, MMA requests Daily Voice to promptly withdraw the child’s identity, along with those of his parents, from the article. We recommend the use of pseudonyms to protect the children from potential harm and urge Daily Voice to provide an explanation to its readers regarding this decision.
We encourage the Daily Voice and all media outlets to adopt more ethical practices in reporting on children, ensuring stories prioritize their best interests and well-being.
Written by Siphokazi Pikoko
Edited by Ntombifuthi Kubeka
[1] Section 154(3) of the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act of 2021
[2] MADs are given when media outlets have been found to irresponsibly report on children, thereby compromising their safety and well-being.