AUTHOR Jackie Phamotse was sentenced to two years under the supervision of correctional officers by the Randburg Magistrates Court.
Magistrate Saras Naidoo said the court sentenced her to two years of correctional supervision and ordered Phamotse to perform community services.
She said the accused must submit herself to a social worker for assessments.
Naidoo fined Phamotse R12 000 or four months imprisonment on count three and R18 000 or six months imprisonment on count four.
@dailysunsa Magistrate Saras Naidoo said the court sentenced author Jackie Phamotse to two years correctional supervision. #JackiePhamotse #BasetsanaKumalo pic.twitter.com/x8FgtkkEKM
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) March 26, 2024
Naidoo said the payment of suspension will not serve as rehabilitation.
"The accused shall refrain from the use of alcohol and any other substances. The accused is ordered to report to the nearest police station," she said.
Phamotse's social worker statement said she is unemployed, while Phamotse's attorney, Mpho Mathonsi, said she has no other form of income.
"If the accused does not show remorse, will they be able to be rehabilitated? So, I want to find out if your client was remorseful," she said.
Mathonsi said they could try to pay the fine in instalments.
"We can be able to pay R4 000 today. Going forward, we will negotiate with the court," he said.
"My client is 36 years old and not married. She is currently a student at the University of South Africa studying criminology," he said.
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Mathonsi said her client looks after her family, and she only survives on royalties.
"My client does charity work and has been helping young students. She also goes around giving motivational talks and workshops with the University of Limpopo, University of Cape Town and Wits as well," he said.
Mathonsi said Phamotse didn't get popular because of this trial and requested the court not to give her harsh sentencing as she is a first offender.
"This case has destroyed my client. She hasn't benefited financially on this matter, and the public harasses her a lot.
"She has not had any source of income. I request a lighter sentence as she is no harm to the public," Mathonsi said.
He said Phamotse is remorseful and not as bad as the state has said about her.
State prosecutor Yousuf Baba said the accused shows no remorse at all.
"Most of these victims are suffering. This is because of her selfish acts.
"The accused has not shown any remorse. The court finds that Miss Phamotse's acts were so not good," he said.
Baba said Phamotse was also asked to delete her tweets and didn't do that.
After the sentence, Basetsana Kumalo said she was happy with the judgment.
@dailysunsa WATCH : Businesswoman and TV star Basetsana Kumalo happy with the sentencing of Jackie Phamotse today at Randburg Magistrate Court. #BasetsanaKumalo #JackiePhamotse pic.twitter.com/Dq12JPScJL
— phuti mathobela (@phuti_mathobela) March 26, 2024
"This is for all South Africans who have been bullied. The law has taken its course."
She said it has been a tough time for her and her family.
"I'm happy justice has been served. This shows that people must stand up for themselves.
"The state wants to set a good record with her. Should the court not give her a direct imprisonment, she should serve community services, Basetsana said.
Phamotse was previously found guilty of defamation against media personalities Basetsana and Romeo Kumalo, resulting in charges of crimen injuria, defamation, and contempt of court.
