Jackie Phamotse set to learn her fate in Kumalo comments matter
This is as the Randburg Magistrate’s Court is expected to sentence her, for the criminal defamation, crimen injuria and contempt charges she was convicted of in 2023.
Jackie Phamotse. Picture: Facebook/PhamotseJackie
JOHANNESBURG - Controversial author Jackie Phamotse is set to learn her fate on Tuesday.
The Randburg Magistrates Court is expected to sentence her for the criminal defamation, crimen injuria and contempt charges she was convicted of in 2023.
The charges stem from comments Phamotse made on X - then Twitter - in 2018, where she alluded to a sex tape involving Basetsana Kumalo’s husband, Romeo Kumalo, and a young rapper.
Phamotse has since confirmed the tape never existed.
READ: Probation officer recommends fine, public apology for Jackie Phamotse over Kumalo comments
Basetsana took the stand last month in aggravation of sentencing and told the court how Phamotse’s “unwarranted actions” had “greatly affected and negatively impacted” her life and the lives of her family.
She further described the last six years as “a nightmare” and spoke to the ramifications of the scandal on her and her husband’s financial and social standing.
Basetsana asked the court for direct imprisonment for Phamotse - a sentiment that a social media law expert who also testified in February supported.
However, a probation officer has recommended she instead be fined and ordered to issue a public apology.
Closing arguments are expected on Tuesday, after which the court is expected to announce its decision.