They are relieved the five year trial is over. Business mogul Romeo Kumalo and former Miss SA Basetsana Kumalo have won the case of defamation and crimen injuria against author Jackie Phamotse.
In 2018, Jackie accused Romeo of having had sexual relations with another male and this was recorded in a video in front of his wife. This, Jackie was unable to prove in court and the court of law. This led to the couple winning the case at the Randburg Magistrate Court and Jackie’s sentencing will be on 24 October.
Basetsana and Romeo expressed their gratitude for all the support and released a statement on the outcome of the court proceedings involving Ms. Jackie Phamotse September 21, 2023
“Mr. and Mrs. Kumalo welcome the outcome of the proceedings involving a case of defamation against Ms. Jackie Phamotse. The court has found Ms. Phamotse guilty on two counts of Crimen injuria, one count of Criminal Defamation and one count of Contempt of Court,” the statement reads.
“We are relieved that the saga has now been dispensed with and that our families can start a moment of reflection, healing, and recovery. This ordeal has been a severe test on the bonds of family and friends. Our children have been devastatingly impacted by these damning allegations. We watched with pain, their psychological beings, social lives and self-esteem taking unimaginable knocks. As businesspeople, our ability to pursue sustainable livelihoods were hamstrung, with some business prospects being brought to a halt.” the statement continues.
“We are grateful for the immense support received from family, friends and the greater South African community at large. We wish to appeal to South Africans to exercise extreme caution when using social media platforms, to at least desist from bullying, making false claims and defamatory remarks about other fellow citizens. Social media remains a powerful avenue through which we can empower and educate each other. It is therefore critical that it is not used as an outlet to defame, disparage, and besmirch.“
They conclude to say, “The South African Justice system remains one the most resilient in the world. We appreciate the diligence with which the matter was dealt with and hope that true to form, the courts will continue to adjudicate on these matters with a fastidious, steady, and stern hand.”
Cece Smith 