Why He Must Not Be Named

[SAICA]( [Mail & Guardian Newsletter logo](#) [mg.co.za]( [The Ampersand Daily Newsletter from the M&G team](#) [Divider Strip] September 29 2020 | [View in browser]( [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( Hi there, In today's never-ending news cycle, it's easy to fall victim to hyperbole. Tepid hot takes and Twitter BREAKING NEWS make it incumbent on us to remind ourselves of our values, lest we are swept up by the clamour to be "first". The Mail & Guardian, you see, has always subscribed to the school of thought that says considered, thoroughly investigated work trumps clicks and scoops every time. We like our journalism slow. We like our journalism accurate. During these frequent bouts of introspection, one issue that keeps cropping up is our refusal to follow some of our peers in ignoring certain journalistic tenets. The one we'd like to highlight today: not naming a rape accused until they have appeared in court. [The story of Nicholas Ninow]( is a haunting reminder of why our newsroom does not budge on keeping the identity of pre-court accused out of our reporting. As[we explained in this thread at the time]( of the incident, it is not to protect the accused but rather, in this case, the person whom he assaulted -- a minor. The law is simple: the Criminal Procedure Act dictates that the media may name the accused in sexual offence and extortion cases only after they have pleaded to the charges. Unfortunately, we have to keep reminding ourselves and others that our responsibility is not only to inform but also to reduce harm and protect the vulnerable. The ANC on Monday confirmed that a former Mpumalanga MEC had been arrested after it was alleged he raped two girls. In a statement, acting provincial secretary of the ANC Lindiwe Ntshalintshali said the man was arrested at his home. Until he has entered a plea, we are not at liberty to identify him. At a time when newsrooms are shrinking and journalism jobs are being slashed worldwide, we are working hard to ensure we keep telling you stories that inform and challenge you. Your contributions make it possible. [&G](. Until tomorrow, Kiri Rupiah & Luke Feltham [Divider Strip] [Dance with the 'devil': Why SA has fought off the IMF for so long]( [Dance with the 'devil': Why SA has fought off the IMF for so long]( By Eyaaz The ANC has, until now, always rejected going to the International Monetary Fund, which underscores how bad our economic situation is. [Divider Strip] [Zuma vs Ramaphosa? Neither is the leader South Africans deserve]( [Zuma vs Ramaphosa? Neither is the leader South Africans deserve]( By Eyaaz Neither statesman could command sufficient authority in an ANC that remains mired in corruption and infighting and at the behest of big capital. [Divider Strip] [Old Mutual]( [Divider Strip] [JSE]( [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( You are receiving this email on {EMAIL} because 1.) You're a member of "Mail & Guardian" or 2.) previously subscribed [M&G logo] 25 Owl St, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, 2092 Want to be removed? No problem! [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Email support: help@media-connect.co.za - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -