Mogaila Mogashoa, a critic of the University of South Africa, faces six months in prison for defamation, marking a significant legal crackdown on misinformation by the institution.
Image: File
The University of South Africa (Unisa) has confirmed that Mogaila Mogashoa has been apprehended and is currently serving a six-month prison sentence.
The development follows a series of High Court judgments obtained by the institution against individuals accused of spreading false and defamatory statements.
A media statement issued on Friday, confirmed that Mogashoa is now incarcerated for a six-month term.
The university previously identified Mogashoa as having spread claims that Unisa was a “cooldrink place” and alleging that the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, illegally moved money to Lesotho.
Despite an initial interdict prohibiting such statements, the university filed for contempt after Mogashoa allegedly continued to spread further falsehoods, resulting in the court issuing a warrant for his arrest.
This imprisonment is part of a broader legal crackdown by the university, which includes a recent judgment against Mandisa Mashego. The Johannesburg High Court found Mashego guilty of defamation for unsubstantiated claims regarding fake degrees and corruption, ordering her to pay R550,000 plus interest.
Additionally, former student Simamkele Xani was found in contempt of a 2024 court order by the Pretoria High Court. Xani was sentenced to 60 days in prison or a R50,000 fine, with the order suspended provided he complies with the original interdict.
The court also directed Xani to retract defamatory statements and issue a written apology to the university and Professor LenkaBula.
Unisa Executive Director for Institutional Advancement, Professor Boitumelo Senokoane, stated that while the university is committed to protecting whistle-blowers, it will legally hold accountable anyone who lies about the institution or its officials.
For more stories from The Mercury, click on the link THE MERCURY