Adv Masako vs Pretoria News

SUMMARY

This ruling by Press Ombud Johan Retief was based on the Press Code that was in effect before 30 September 2022.

Adv Itumeleng Masako complained about stories that had been published some years ago.

The stories were about Masako having been found guilty and sentenced by a court of law, but the Appeals Court later overturned those decisions.

Dismissing the complaint, Retief said Section 1.3 of the Complaints Procedures did not allow him to entertain a matter that had been published so long ago. He noted that Pretoria News had already covered the result of his (successful) appeal.

THE RULING ITSELF

Dear Adv Masako,

Your complaint against Pretoria News refers.

You complain about a story that has been published some years ago.

The gist of the issue is that you were convicted and sentenced by a court of law (about which Pretoria News has reported). In March 2016, however, the Appeals Court found for you – and now you want a retraction and an apology from the newspaper, adding that it has not reported on your acquittal.

I am not even going to mention the details of your complaint or of these stories, as Section 1.3 of our Complaints Procedures does not allow me to entertain a matter that has been published so long ago.

A retraction or an apology is therefore out of the question.

Also, Pretoria News has covered the result of your (successful) appeal.

Our Complaints Procedures lay down that within seven working days of receipt of this decision, you may apply for leave to appeal to the Chairperson of the SA Press Appeals Panel, Judge Bernard Ngoepe, fully setting out the grounds of appeal. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Regards,

Johan Retief

Press Ombud