Centre for Child Law challenges a High Court ruling

SAfm — The Centre for Child Law is challenging a High Court ruling which dismissed their application which called for the extension of identity protection of minors turning 18 during or after criminal proceedings. The court said this protection would not be indefinite as media houses can name child victims‚ witnesses or crime accused once they turn 18. The Centre for Child Law brought the application following the controversial Zephany Nurse court case. Zephany Nurse came to prominence after it was discovered she was kidnapped as a baby in 1997. Her kidnapper‚ who raised her as her own child‚ was convicted for the kidnapping in August 2016. During the case Nurse‚ who uses another name‚ and the centre were concerned that the media would reveal her true identity once she turns 18‚ leading to emotional trauma and public scrutiny.