Complainant alleged that
- the SABC, in its news reportage e Boesak trial, had created and sustained a hostile and partially-informed public climate in which a perception of Dr Boesak’s as yet unproved – guilt was encouraged;
- the SABC had not given adequate coverage to the cross-examination of state witnesses;
- the SABC had made errors as to the amounts involved in so far as Dr Boesak was concerned and had erred in its translation into Afrikaans of the word “reconstructed”
The BCCSA held
- that there was not evidence to substantiate the claims in (1);
- that, save in exceptional circumstances, it was unable to come to a conclusion as to alleged biased reporting before a case had not come to an end, including the reportage of closing argument and judgment;
- that the SABC should establish the correct amounts involved in the charges as well as the correct division of the amounts. All editors should be informed of the correct position. The differing amounts mentioned in broadcasts were found to be confusing;
- that a translation error had occurred, but that it amounted to a bona fide error and that the mistake was also not attributable to negligence.
The complaint was, accordingly, dismissed. The SABC was, however, referred to the criticism in regard to the confusing reports as to the amounts involved.