Reality TV star Innocentia "Inno" Morolong has been found guilty of crimen injuria and defamation against fellow social media influencer and actress Tebogo Thobejane by the Randburg Magistrate's Court.
The court handed down a sentence of 12 months of house arrest, during which Morolong requires written permission from her parole officer for any travel. This is coupled with 60 days of community service, also under parole supervision. Furthermore, Morolong is prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs for one year.
A five-year suspended sentence hangs over her, meaning any further similar offences will result in immediate imprisonment. The court order also restricts Morolong from entering Johannesburg.
Thobejane, visibly relieved by the outcome, expressed her satisfaction with the sentencing, stating, "This serves as a powerful lesson that bullying is a crime and those responsible will be held accountable. Thank you for your continued support. Justice has been served and let this be a reminder that no one is above the law."
She also indicated that further investigations are underway into Morolong's network and any potential involvement in criminal injuria. Thobejane intends to pursue civil action to recover losses and regain her sense of security.
Morolong declined to comment on the sentencing.
"I can’t afford to get body guards … The person that has been harassing me is running rampage harassing the whole country. I have had to change my son’s school and rearrange my whole life because of one person,” Thobejane explained.
She detailed a particularly frightening incident, saying, “I had to move in with my sister for three weeks in Berlin [Germany] after I received a call saying ‘I am going to fucken kill you. You have done too much. I am going to kill you’.”
Thobejane maintains her South African home, intending to return for visits in the future.
