The Western Cape High Court has granted the media permission to photograph Leano Vergotine on trial for multiple counts of child rape and pornography, reports the Cape Times.

Vergotine had objected to photographs being taken of him during court proceedings. Addressing the court through his defence attorney, Vergotine argued he comes from the small community of Ceres and media coverage would place unnecessary attention on his family and prejudice him.

His attorney told the court she had explained to her client the media has rights regarding court reporting and open justice proceedings, but despite this, Vergotine maintained his objection.

The state opposed the objection, referencing the widely publicised 2017 triple murder case involving Henri van Breda, where media houses brought an urgent High Court application to film proceedings.

Prosecutor Renee Uys argued the court in that matter ruled in favour of media access, finding coverage permissible as long as it did not prejudice the trial and remained within the public interest.

Acting Judge Amanda van Leeve ruled in favour of the media application saying the matter was being heard in an open court and that the public had a right to know what was happening in the proceedings.

She further found that there would be no prejudice caused by photographs being taken of the accused.

The case centres around the alleged rape of three minor children.

Vergotine has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Full Cape Times report