Author Katleho Jacqueline "Jackie" Phamotse who was guilty of crimen injury, criminal defamation, and contempt of court after a five-year legal battle with Media moguls and couple Basetsana and Romeo Kumalo will know her fate in March. Jackie's sentencing was set for 24 October 2024 but that was moved to 14 November after a guilty verdict in September last year.

AVOIDING JAIL TIME

There have however been more delays due to Jackie's legal team avoiding her getting jail time.  Jackie's matter was meant to be finalised on Tuesday, but it was postponed for the probation officer's report. The Kumalos' have told ZiMoja that the probation officer and social worker have been asked to testify as her legal representatives are advocating for house arrest and community service which the Kumalos are opposing. Jackie's legal team requested the court proceed on 27 February however, the new dates for closing arguments are set to be on 21 February and 1 March 2024.

"WE WANT HER IN JAIL" 

Basetsana and Romeo Kumalo have chosen to keep quiet until the sentencing has been finalised. "We would rather wait for 21st February, as we have expressed our views previously." The Kumalos' have said in a previous interview with ZiMja that they only wish to see Jackie in orange jumpsuits behind bars. "We want her behind bars, arrested for the damage she caused to our family and business. This has been a tough and traumatic time for us," Romeo Kumalo told ZiMoja. The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane has said she will give a solid update, but the sentencing will proceed.