“Jackie Phamotse Should Have Pleaded Insanity”: Netizens React to Bestselling Writer’s Two-Year House Arrest Sentencing
Best-selling author of Bare series Jackie Phamotse has had her day in court and thus been sentenced to two years under house arrest.
Phamotse squared up against Basetsana and Romeo Kumalo over defamatory comments she expressed on Twitter in 2018, in which she alleged that the couple were involved in the making of a sex tape with a young and upcoming rapper at the time. The accusations did not go down well with the Kumalos, who took swift action against Jackie by going the legal route.
In addition to the house arrest, Jackie has been set a fine of R30 000 to pay for the offense, punishable by 8 months in prison lest she fail to pay the money. On top of the fine and the house arrest, the activist has also been allotted 16 hours a month of community service to be carried out during the span of her two-year house arrest.
Jackie Phamotse | SUPPLIED
“This case was not just about getting the defendant charged; it is also a lesson on the systemic practice on unlawful and appalling behaviour – the malicious attack on our character, our dignity, and credibility by misusing social media and the severe consequences associated with that,” said the Kumalos on their media statement after the verdict was passed.
Although Twitter users were mixed on the verdict, netizens chose to see the funny side of the matter.
@Zipho_Kunene said, “Jackie Phamotse should have pleaded insanity.”
@Bandziva posted a GIF with the caption: “Me calling SAPS whenever I see Jackie Phamotse outside passed 6pm.”
Popular troll @ChrisEcxel102 poked fun at Jackie moving into “Stage 8” of Lockdown and remarked: “This is the perfect time for her to focus on writing more of her captivating books. Let’s hope she takes advantage of this opportunity and treats us to even more juicy stories.”