They say justice delayed is justice denied, but in the case of controversial author Jackie Phamotse, it seems like justice is playing a never-ending game of hide and seek.
After a gruelling five-year legal battle with media moguls Basetsana and Romeo Kumalo, Jackie Phamotse was found guilty of crimen injuria, defamation, and contempt of court. But instead of facing the consequences, she seems to be dancing her way around jail time.
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According to a close friend of the Kumalo family who wishes to remain anonymous, Jackie’s Legal Aid representative is playing a clever game of delay tactics to keep her out of prison. With each of the offences carrying a minimum sentence of a year or two, it’s no wonder they’re trying to find any way to avoid those dreaded orange overalls.
The friend reveals, “They want her to do community service or pay a fine, anything to keep her away from jail. But her lawyer seems to be dragging his feet.
He was supposed to prepare an appeal to negotiate for a lighter sentence, but it’s only being submitted next week. And we all know how long courts take to process these things. It’s like they’re trying to push the sentencing into next year.”
It’s clear that the Kumalo family is not interested in leniency. They want Jackie Phamotse behind bars, even if it’s just for a couple of weeks. After enduring five years of trauma caused by her reckless actions, they believe it’s time for her to face the consequences.
“She must wear the orange overalls,” the friend insists. “They want her to go to jail, even if it’s for a short period. She has traumatized them for far too long.”
Romeo Kumalo, a prominent figure in showbiz and telecommunications, has felt the devastating effects of Jackie’s defamation. He explains, “It has been damaging to my business and has caused great harm to myself and my family. I am just glad that this is over, and we await the sentencing.”
It’s clear that the impact of Jackie’s words extends far beyond emotional distress. The damage to Romeo’s career and reputation is immeasurable, serving as a cautionary tale for others to be mindful of their actions on social media.
Five years ago, the Kumalos opened a case against Jackie after she tweeted a subliminal message suggesting that there was a video of Romeo engaging in sexual activity with another man. This tweet, along with another one insinuating scandalous behaviour, led to her being found guilty of defamation, crimen injuria, and contravention of a protection order.
The court’s verdict was clear: Jackie’s version of events was rejected as false beyond reasonable doubt. The evidence presented against her left no room for doubt, and justice seemed to be within reach.
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However, her ability to evade the consequences has left many frustrated and questioning the effectiveness of the legal system. As the sentencing date continues to be postponed, the Kumalos and their supporters are left in a state of limbo. Will justice ever be served? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, the saga of Jackie Phamotse’s legal battle serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of accountability. Let it be a lesson to all of us to think twice before we hit that “post” button, for the consequences of our actions can be far-reaching and long-lasting.
