The Challenge
Covering a high-profile legal case, this news article needed sharper structure, tighter leads, and improved tone control under deadline pressure.
The Editorial Focus
Applying AP style, I shaped clarity, consistency, and urgency—supporting readability without compromising journalistic accuracy or impact.
Before-and-After Comparison Table
📄 Opening Section
| Original | Edited (AP Style) |
| Photographic evidence came under scrutiny in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial on Friday as the defence sought to poke holes in the state’s case. | Photographic evidence came under scrutiny during Friday’s proceedings in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial as the defence challenged the state’s case. |
| Sergeant Moses Mabasa returned to the witness stand at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria for further cross-examination. | Sgt. Moses Mabasa returned to the witness stand at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria for further cross-examination. |
| Mabasa, an analyst within the South African Police Service (Saps), was recalled to testify after the state introduced new photographs retrieved from the cellphones of accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi, and accused number three, Mthobisi Mncube. | Mabasa, an analyst with the South African Police Service (SAPS), was recalled to testify after the state introduced new photographs retrieved from the cellphones of accused No. 2, Bongani Ntanzi, and accused No. 3, Mthobisi Mncube. |
📄 Evidence and Metadata Section
| Original | Edited (AP Style) |
| The photographs, which were taken in 2015, show a man with a gold tooth. The state alleges that the man is Mncube. | The photographs, taken in 2015, show a man with a gold tooth. The state alleges the man is Mncube. |
| However, the defence argued that the man in the photographs is not Mncube, and that the state is relying on flawed evidence. | However, the defence argued the man in the photographs is not Mncube and that the state is relying on flawed evidence. |
| Advocate Charles Mnisi, representing Ntanzi, questioned Mabasa about the chain of custody of the photographs and whether they had been tampered with. | Advocate Charles Mnisi, representing Ntanzi, questioned Mabasa about the photographs’ chain of custody and whether they had been tampered with. |
| Mabasa maintained that the photographs were authentic and had not been altered in any way. | Mabasa maintained the photographs were authentic and had not been altered. |
| Mnisi also questioned the authenticity of the metadata associated with the photographs, suggesting that it could have been manipulated. | Mnisi also questioned the authenticity of the photographs’ metadata, suggesting it could have been manipulated. |
| He asked Mabasa whether he had verified the metadata independently or relied solely on the information provided by the state. | He asked Mabasa whether he had independently verified the metadata or relied solely on information provided by the state. |
| Mabasa responded that he had conducted his own analysis and was confident in the integrity of the data. | Mabasa said he conducted his own analysis and was confident in the data’s integrity. |
| The defence also raised concerns about the chain of custody of the cellphones from which the photographs were retrieved. | The defence also raised concerns about the chain of custody for the cellphones from which the photographs were retrieved. |
| Mnisi argued that there were gaps in the documentation and that the devices may have been accessed by unauthorized individuals. | Mnisi argued there were documentation gaps and that unauthorised individuals may have accessed the devices. |
| The court heard that the cellphones had been in police custody since their seizure in 2015, but that there were limited records detailing their handling. | The court heard the cellphones had been in police custody since their 2015 seizure, but records detailing their handling were limited. |
📄 Closing Section
| Original | Edited (AP Style) |
| Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng adjourned the proceedings until Monday, when Mabasa is expected to continue his testimony. | Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng adjourned proceedings until Monday, when Mabasa is expected to continue his testimony. |
| The trial, which has been ongoing for several months, has seen numerous delays and legal challenges. | The trial, ongoing for several months, has faced numerous delays and legal challenges. |
| The five accused are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition. | The five accused face charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition. |
AP Style Alignment Notes
Reflections
This case study demonstrates how AP style can be applied flexibly to international content while preserving regional authenticity. The edits enhance clarity, tighten structure, and align with journalistic tone without compromising the article’s voice or context. It’s a strong example of how editorial precision and cultural awareness can coexist in professional editing.