Controversial author's sentencing dilemma

AUTHOR Jackie Phamotse's case has been postponed to Tuesday, 5 March.

The popular social activist and businesswoman made a brief appearance at the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 27 February.

The 34-year-old's case was previously postponed for the consideration of mitigation and aggravation of her sentence as the social worker has to decide whether she must be fined, go to jail or be suspended.

Phamotse's attorney, Mpho Mathonsi, said he welcomes whatever the court puts in this matter. He said his client is remorseful.

"Can we only deal with the sentencing matter only today. Today, my client is with the social worker who worked on her matter," he said.

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Probation officer Xoliswa Budaza from Gauteng Department of social services said Phamotse deserves a lighter sentence as she regrets what she did.

"I have read her book 'I Tweet What I Like'. In the book it's totally a different story. She is talking about cyberbullying, and how social media has affected many people. Her title makes her to appear very arrogant yes, but she did not mean that," she said.

However, State prosecutor Yousuf Baba argued that Phamotse's book had unpleasantly impacted the victims, especially in their social lives.

"This book affected both the victims. Did you consider how the book caused the harm to them?

"Are you aware that the court made an application on her regarding harassment? When you look at the headline, does she look remorseful?" he asked.

He explained that the court ordered her to apologise before she released the book.

Phamotse was previously found guilty of defamation against TV personalities Basetsana and Romeo Kumalo, resulting in charges of crimen injuria, criminal defamation, and contempt of court.

The prosecutor said she was not allowed to meet or be in contact with the complainants.

Phamotse was also told not to intimidate anyone, as she would get arrested.