Controversial South African author Jackie Phamotse says she is ready to live boldly again after officially completing her two-year house arrest.
The outspoken writer shared the news on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, 3 April 2026. She reflected on the difficult period and said the experience changed her but also made her stronger.
Phamotse announced that her house arrest had finally come to an end and described the moment as a turning point in her life.
“There are parts of me that still feel the pain of walking through this process but today, I feel powerful, brave and resolute,” she wrote. She added that she was proud that she still stands after everything she has gone through.
The author also hinted that she has been documenting her experiences during the past two years and plans to share them with the public in the future.
“I was taking notes, documenting and scribing… when I am ready I will give you a solid book about everything that happened,” she wrote, adding that people should expect a new book soon.
Announcement : Completion of my house arrest.
We fight not only with our stance but with documenting our own narratives.
There are parts of me that still feel the pain of walking through this process but today, I feel powerful, brave and resolute.
I am complete and proud that I… pic.twitter.com/r1A3ojZnVr— Jackie Phamotse (@JackiePhamotse) April 2, 2026
JACKIE PHAMOTSE LEGAL BATTLE WITH THE KUMALOS
Phamotse’s legal troubles began in 2018 after she posted comments on social media about businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo and her husband Romeo Kumalo. In the posts, she alleged that there was an explicit video involving Romeo and another man.
The Kumalos strongly denied the allegations and took legal action against the author.
After a long court battle that lasted several years, the Randburg Magistrates Court found Phamotse guilty in 2023 on charges including criminal defamation, crimen injuria and contempt of court.
PROTECTION ORDER GRANTED AGAINST AUTHOR
In November 2024, Romeo and Basetsana Kumalo successfully obtained another protection order against Phamotse. The Randburg Magistrate’s Court granted the order, which prevents her from harassing or attempting to harass the couple for five years.
Despite the legal battles, Phamotse says she remains determined to continue writing.
“I will never stop writing, nor will I ever not say what I mean,” she said. “To those that waited for my downfall… I am going to live and live boldly.”