Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS’ online editor and senior journalist, Charmaine Slater was subpoenaed to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court today.

She concluded her testimony earlier today. Slater was one of three journalists subpoenaed to testify in the trial of Hewitt who is facing two charges of rape and one of sexual assault.

Slater was subpoenaed as a result of an article published by the Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS in January 2012, following an interview she (Charmaine Slater) had conducted with Suellen Sheehan who alleged she was sexually abused by Bob Hewitt (see article below).  

The decision to take the stand was based on allegations by Sheehan, who stated the NEWS published inaccurate information with regards to her interview.

Owing to these claims of inaccurate reporting, the NEWS felt compelled to take the stand and defend its integrity.

“Two other reporters have likewise been subpoenaed and have likewise, through their attorneys Webber Wentzel, said that they have decided to testify, for the same reasons,” said Willem de Klerk, Caxton Publishers’ legal representative.

“Ms Slater will be present at court and will testify, not because she is on Mr Hewitt’s side, nor on the side of the state, but only because her reporting has been called into question by Ms Sheenan on social media and that she and her employer, Caxton Publishers, feel compelled to set the record straight,” he said yesterday afternoon.

Full report to follow.