Kruger v Johnnic Publishing (Pty) Ltd and Another
| Jurisdiction | South Africa |
| Judge | Botha J |
| Judgment Date | 17 November 2003 |
| Counsel | J W G Campbell for the excipients (defendants). M C Maritz SC for the respondent (plaintiff). |
| Hearing Date | 17 November 2003 |
| Citation | 2004 (4) SA 306 (T) |
| Court | Transvaal Provincial Division |
| Docket Number | 12434/2003 |
Botha J:
This is an exception to particulars of claim in a defamation action. F
The plaintiff, Mr Jacobus (Koos) Kruger, is the principal of the Ermelo Hoërskool.
The first defendant is the publisher of the Sunday Times newspaper and the second defendant was its editor at the time. G
The claim is based on four articles that appeared in the Sunday Times, two in the edition of 30 September 2001 (annexures A1 and A2), one in the edition of 7 October 2001 (annexure B) and the fourth one in the edition of 16 December 2001 (annexure C). H
In respect of annexures A1 and A2 the following allegations are made in paras 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 of the particulars of claim:
Die foto wat deel vorm van die berig aanhangsel A1 en die foto met die onderskrif wat verwys na ''Koos Kruger'' wat deel vorm van die berig aanhangsel A2, is foto's van die eiser.
Die verwysing in aanhangsels A1 en A2 na ''Kruger'', ''Koos Kruger'', ''Principal'' en ''Headmaster'' is bedoel I om te verwys na eiser en is deur die lesers van die koerant so verstaan, alternatiewelik is redelikerwys so te verstaan.
Die bewerings in gemelde berigte, aanhangsels A1 en A2, is van en ten aansien van die eiser gemaak.' J
Botha J
In respect of annexure B the following is said in paras 12.1 and 12.2: A
Die verwysing in die berig, aanhangsel B, na ''Koos Kruger'', ''Kruger'' en ''Worst Headmaster'' is bedoel om te verwys na eiser en is deur die lesers so verstaan, alternatiewelik is dit rederlikerwys so te verstaan.
Die bewerings in die berig, aanhangsel B was van en ten aansien van die eiser gemaak.' B
In respect of annexure C the following is said in para 18.1 and 18.2:
Die verwysing in die berig, aanhangsel C, na ''Koos Kruger'', ''Kruger'' en ''Worst Headmaster'' is bedoel om te verwys na eiser en is deur die lesers so verstaan, alternatiewelik is dit rederlikerwys so te verstaan. C
Die bewerings in die berig, aanhangsel C, was van en ten aansien van die eiser gemaak.'
The first point made in the notice of exception is that the allegations in paras 6.2, 12.1 and 18.1 are contradicted, D respectively, by the allegations in paras 6.3, 12.2 and 18.2. The point made is that paras 6.2, 12.1 and 18.1 seek to introduce an innuendo, which is contradictory to paras 6.3, 12.2 and 18.3 that refer pertinently to the plaintiff. It is contended that, inasmuch as reliance is placed on an innuendo, the plaintiff has failed to plead the facts and circumstances that would justify an innuendo. E
In this regard Mr Campbell, who appeared for the defendants, referred the Court to Visse v Wallach's Printing and Publishing Co Ltd; Visse v Pretoria News and Printing Works Ltd 1946 TPD 441; Raw v Botha and Another 1965 (3) SA 630 (D) at 635A - 636B; and Sauls and Others v Hendrickse 1992 (3) SA 912 (A) at 918F - I. F
The second point taken in the notice...
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