South Africa: Students post pictures of alleged rapist on social media

Article here. Excerpt:

'Yesterday the students, frustrated by the perceived lack of action from Wits University management to the alleged rape, accused it on social media of protecting the "perpetrator", who is also a student, and posted pictures of the man.

Gender-based violence researcher Lisa Vetten warned the students of a potential defamation lawsuit.

"Our law protects the identity of both parties. If the case is still pending and no criminal charges have been laid, the students who posted those pictures could be sued for defamation of character.

"I know they might feel frustrated. In most cases when people name and shame it is because they feel that justice was denied."

Criminal lawyer Ulrich Roux said even if the person had not been charged one could not reveal his identity until he was given a fair chance in a court of law.

"Society cannot pass judgment or try him on social media."'