Penuel Mlotshwa Faces Backlash For Questioning Credibility Of Cwecwe

Penuel Mlotshwa, a South African podcaster, is facing backlash for questioning the credibility of Cwecwe, a 7-year-old rape victim. 

In a since-deleted X post, Mlotshwa expressed doubts about the case, citing a lack of witnesses, suspects, and foreign DNA evidence. 

He also questioned the credibility of the young victim, 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,” he said. 

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Many South Africans were outraged by Mlotshwa’s comments, accusing him of victim-blaming and undermining the trauma faced by the child. 

How Netizens are Reacting to Penuel Mlotshwa’s Comment

The public reaction to Mlotshwa’s comments has been overwhelmingly negative, with many calling for him to be held accountable for his words. Some notable comments recorded across social media are seen below.

BafanaSurprise said, “This is what a father had to say about the poor Cwecwe, who suffered the worst tragedy! This man is mentally ill.”

Another netizen, NeneLeakesWigs wrote, “Penuel, you are disgusting. Cwecwe was examined by three doctors, who all said she was violated. Are you saying you know better than medical professionals?”

Miss_Thiqueness added “And that is why I am Penuel’s biggest hater. What kind of person questions the credibility of a 7-year-old rape victim?”

Apologies, I Was Out of Line – Penuel Mlotshwa

Following the backlash received, Mlotshwa later issued a formal apology for his controversial X post about rape victim Cwecwe.

He stated that his intention was never to cause harm and acknowledged that medical professionals had confirmed the rape. 

This came shortly after Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu revealed that there were no witnesses, no suspects, and no foreign DNA found in the rape investigation.

Mlotshwa tweeted, “Many people took offense to the post and pointed out where I erred. I then deleted it after a few minutes; however, some people had already screengrabbed it and started sharing it.

“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. Secondly, I’m fully aware that rape is a very sensitive crime, worse when it’s a young child. We must protect our children at all times. And make them feel safe and heard.

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“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.

Penuel admitted that he was aware that several doctors had confirmed that Cwecwe had been raped.

He continued: “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.

“I am sorry; I withdraw and withdrew the post unreservedly and hope that Cwecwe and her family will get justice.

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Penuel then encouraged parents to remain vigilant and to “find ways to keep our children safe from predators.”

Will this Crumple Mlotshwa’s Career?

The backlash against Mlotshwa’s comments may have implications for his career as a podcaster and influencer. 

His apology and recognition of the harm caused by his words may help to mitigate the damage, but the incident has sparked a wider conversation about the responsibility of public figures to promote respectful and empathetic discourse.

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