‘We can finally restore our lives’ – Basetsana on victorious defamation case

by Staff Bona

Tuesday marked another victorious day for the Kumalo household. The controversial author Jackie Phamotse, who was accused of defamation, was sentenced to two years of house arrest, community service and a fine.

The court ruling stems from the 2018 social media post that Jackie – whose real name is Katleho Jaqueline Phamotse – made on Twitter (now known as X). She brought forth allegations of an alleged gay sex tape involving businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo and her husband Romeo.

According to reports, Jackie has been found guilty on two counts of crimen injuria, one count of defamation, one count of contempt of court and violating a protection order.

After sentencing, Basetsana, also known as Bassie, spoke to the media regarding the outcome.

“I’m very much relieved that we can finally restore our lives and find our peace and move on with our lives,” she shared. “For me, it’s important for anybody and everybody to stand up for yourself, to stand up for your rights and the dignity and integrity of your own family, and more importantly that you should not allow people to define your destiny and take away your voice.”

Bassie added that through the court case, she was able to restore her voice. “I restored [what] somebody was trying to rewrite, the narrative of my life, and also the legacy that I have created in this country.”

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