South Africa’s celebrity couple Basetsana and Romeo Kumalo has obtained a second and final protection order against author Jackie Phamotse at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
According to the protection order, which Sunday World has seen, the couple has gagged Phamotse from engaging in or attempting to harass them for five years.
The two lovebirds have also prohibited Phamotse from enlisting the help of another person to harass them.
“[Phamotse is also barred)] from making any malicious allegations on any social media platform with regard to the applicant.
“[The] respondent is ordered to remove all malicious allegations against the complaint from all social media platforms posted by herself and or anyone acting on her instructions,” reads the order, which expires on November 5, 2029.
The Kumalo couple first obtained a protection order against Phamotse in 2018 after spreading malicious allegations against the businessman.
Without revealing the identity of the businessman concerned, Phamotse claimed that she had seen a gay sex tape involving “the husband of a media mogul”.
She remained reticent when her followers suggested that she was referring to the Kumalos.
The first order lapsed on July 26, 2023.
After the lapse of the order, the obdurate Phamotse proceeded with her shenanigans against the Kumalos.
The couple’s public relations officer, Luphumlo Ngcayisa, said in a bid to stop Phamotse, the item launched another application for a final protection order.
“During these proceedings, Ms Phamotse relied solely on technical arguments, attempting to position this matter as the revival of an old order. However, the court found that she had committed new acts of harassment during the period of 13 to 15 September 2023,” Ngcayisa said in a statement.
“The court recognised that the reliance on the old protection order by the Kumalos was merely to demonstrate the pattern of behaviour by Ms Phamotse, indicating that it was unlikely she would cease her harassment.
“The court determined that all new acts committed by Ms Phamotse constituted harassment in terms of the Protection from Harassment Act, leading to the issuance of a final protection order.”
Ngcayisa further stated that the protection order also includes a warrant for direct imprisonment, which will be enforced if Phamotse breaches the terms set by the court in the permanent order.
He also said the five-year order marked a decisive step towards safeguarding the Kumalo couple’s right to peace, dignity, and protection from ongoing harassment.
“This five-year order is a clear judicial response to the harassment endured since 2018, affirming the need for closure in this matter,” he stated.
Reflecting on the order, the Kumalos said: “We all need to be relentless in the pursuit of justice. This pursuit of justice comes with requisite patience and the tenacity to follow through.”
The Kumalos extended their heartfelt gratitude to their legal team, led by Ian Levitt, for its unwavering support, as well as to their family, friends, and community who have stood by them during their trying moments.
“This ruling not only brings a sense of closure but also offers encouragement to others who may face similar challenges,” the Kumalos said.
“With today’s judgment, Mr and Mrs Kumalo look forward to moving ahead with renewed peace and an unyielding commitment to respect, dignity, and justice.”
