Penuel Mlotshwa, the South African podcaster, has issued a formal apology after facing backlash for a post he shared on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the rape victim, Cwecwe.
His controversial statement questioned the credibility of the seven-year-old victim, leading to widespread criticism from social media users across the country.
The Apology and Its Aftermath
In response to the backlash, Mlotshwa quickly deleted the tweet and returned to his X account to offer an apology.
He acknowledged that his post had caused offense and that many people had pointed out his errors. “I apologize to everyone who was offended by the post.
That was not my intention. Hence why I deleted it once people called me out,” he wrote.
Mlotshwa emphasized that his post was not meant to undermine the seriousness of rape, especially when it involves a young child.
He recognized the need to protect children and ensure they feel safe and heard.
“We must protect our children at all times,” he added. “I was wrong to use the wording I used.
We should listen to and believe children when they tell us about what they’ve experienced.”
Acknowledging the Mistake
Penuel also admitted that several medical professionals had already confirmed that Cwecwe had been sexually assaulted.
He expressed regret for his earlier comments, stating, “I was out of line for what I wrote. Even though my intentions were never malicious.
I apologize for the post and to the victim and her family.”
Furthermore, Mlotshwa encouraged parents to stay vigilant and take steps to ensure the safety of their children.
He concluded his apology by stating his desire for justice for Cwecwe and her family, withdrawing his earlier post without reservation.
The Controversial Post
The incident began when Mlotshwa shared a post on X questioning the DNA samples collected from three individuals of interest in the case.
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu had revealed on April 4 that the investigation had not produced any suspects, witnesses, or foreign DNA evidence.
In his original tweet, Mlotshwa expressed doubt about the case, saying, “I don’t see this case going any further, to be honest.
The credibility of a seven-year-old is also questionable, even if she pointed out the perpetrator.
At this point, we can’t even confirm if she was really raped or not. It’s tough.”
Public Reaction and Moving Forward
The post sparked outrage, with many calling for Mlotshwa to be held accountable for his insensitive remarks. His apology has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning whether his apology is sincere.
The debate around his post continues, with people discussing the responsibility of public figures in sensitive cases like this.
Mlotshwa’s apology and the subsequent conversation highlight the delicate nature of dealing with such traumatic and sensitive issues in the public eye.
While he has apologized and withdrawn his comments, the question remains—can we truly move forward from such a controversial moment?
What’s Next?
As the case continues to unfold, all eyes are on the investigation and whether justice will be served for Cwecwe and her family.
Mlotshwa’s comments and apology serve as a reminder of the importance of handling such matters with care and empathy.
