Zuma: Victim can't be named
2006-03-08 10:24
Johannesburg - Johannesburg High Court Judge Willem van der Merwe repeated on Wednesday that the identity of the woman who has laid a rape charge against Jacob Zuma may not be revealed.
Referring to a report on the front page of the Beeld newspaper, State prosecutor Charin de Beer told Van der Merwe that placards with pictures of the woman had been displayed outside the court on Tuesday.
Van der Merwe said that under the law, nothing may be published that could identify her. He made an order to this effect on Monday.
This includes any reference to her phone number or those of her friends which could be used to identify her.
"It must be remembered that this is an order of the court and any contravention of this order is contempt of court.
"If supporters of any group of people contravene this order, the necessary steps should be and will be taken," said Van der Merwe.
He asked leaders of any organisations or groups in the court to convey this message to the people outside.
The woman's name was being used inside the court but may not be revealed outside.
- SAPA