Durban woman pleads guilty to defamation following viral social media video
The director of public prosecutions in KZN has warned people not to create defamatory videos and post them on social media and said she hopes this sentence for guilty pair will deter others.
A WOMAN was sentenced to a fine of R20 000, or six years imprisonment suspended for three years as well as a compensation amount to the woman she had defamed.
This sentence was handed down after the woman pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping, assault and criminal defamation on Tuesday, 10 March.
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According to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Natasha Kara, Samadhanum Jane Andrew pleaded guilty in the Durban Regional Court on Tuesday to the charges which related to the treatment she and a co-accused gave a 52-year-old woman in Chatsworth in May last year.
Revenge
“The complainant was in a relationship with Andrew’s boyfriend. Andrew found out that the pair had recently visited a hotel together and decided to attack the complainant,” said Kara.
“She and her co-accused, Sarah Ishwarlall, forced the complainant into a car and took her to Ishwarlall’s house where they assaulted her and cut off portions of her hair,” added Kara.
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Not only did the pair kidnap the woman, they reportedly made a video of what they did and then posted it on social media.
“They filmed this interrogation and posted it on social media, along with defamatory comments about the complainant. This video went viral,” said Kara.
Victim impact statement
During the trial on Tuesday, regional court prosecutor, Sureka Marimuthu submitted a victim impact statement, compiled by the complainant and facilitated by court preparation officer, Nondumiso Nyembe.
“The complainant mentioned that this ordeal caused her to lose her job and become withdrawn as people were laughing at her. Her child was unable to attend school because he was mocked as well,” said Kara.
Suspended
“The court sentenced Andrew to a fine of R20 000 or six years imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of three years. She was further ordered to compensate the complainant with R5 000. Andrews must also issue an apology to the complainant, which must be published in two newspapers, namely The Post and Sunday Tribune.”
Warning
Kara said the Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, Advocate Elaine Zungu said, “The complainant suffered humiliation not only at the hands of the accused, but also on social media, with members of the public forwarding the video.”
Kara said Zungu also warned against others who might think the actions of Andrew and Ishwarlall were something to emulate.
“Matters of a similar nature are becoming prevalent and we hope that this sentence deters like-minded individuals. Congratulations to the officials involved in this successful finalisation,” said Zungu.
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