By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image Supplied.
Controversial author Jackie Phamotse has been sentenced to two years of correctional supervision (house arrest), and has been ordered to perform community service by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.
This comes after a six-year-long legal battle for defaming media moguls Romeo and Basetsana Kumalo over a tweet alleging that Romeo had engaged in a sexual encounter with another man.
After the pair took legal action against the author, she was found guilty of defamation, crimen injuria, and contempt of court on 19 September, 2023.
The Kumalos sat patiently in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court as closing arguments were made ahead of the sentencing.
Basetsana arrived alone and joined her husband inside the court, where they were supported by their family and closest friends.
Magistrate Saras Naidoo said the court sentenced Phamotse to two years correctional supervision and she was ordered to perform Community services.
Phamotse has been ordered to submit herself to social workers for assessments. Naidoo said Phamotse has been fined R12 000 for count three or four months imprisonment and on count four R18 000 or 6 months imprisonment.
Speaking to the media after the sentencing, Kumalo welcomed the sentencing and said that justice has been served, adding and the dignity of her family has been restored.
“This unprecedented judgment is a victory not only for my family but for every South African that works hard to earn an honest living.
“This is also for every South African child that has been cyber bullied, now South Africans have a recourse that they can come to the courts and seek justice should they be cyber bullied.”
Basetsana is also in a celebratory mood as she turns 50 on Friday, while Romeo celebrated his 52nd birthday in February.