Controversial personality Penuel Mlotshwa has landed on the wrong side of history once again after receiving immense backlash for an insensitive comment made regarding the popular Cwecwe case.
Penuel has garnered a reputation as one of South Africa’s more controversial and sometimes problematic figures as he has used his platforms on social media to voice his opinion without any regard for who it may affect or any consequences.
The rape case of seven-year old Bergview College learner Cwecwe has taken over the country as citizens have taken to the streets in solidarity with Cwecwe, calling for justice to be served as far as her case is concerned.
After a misunderstanding that led the public to believe that Minister Senzo Mchunu revealed that Bergview College’s principal Jaco Pieterse had been tested and did not match that which was found in Cwecwe, Penuel took to his X(formerly Twitter) to share his two cents regarding the matter.
The controversial figure made a post revealing that due to the minister’s revelation, Cwecwe’s credibility has been compromised.
WTF ??? pic.twitter.com/OXoDkmdnL4
— Danilo (@odedanilo) April 5, 2025
His post quickly generated some attention and initiated some backlash towards the prominent figure. According to these users, Penuel’s post is not only ill-timed and insensitive, but can also be dangerous as it perpetuates rape culture and further silences victims of rape and other GBV related crimes.
These users have condemned Penuel and his constant need to insert his opinion, even in topics that appear to be out of his depth.
Dear Penuel
Thank you for issuing this apology. It was the bare minimum and still necessary.
But let’s be clear. What you posted wasn’t just “poor wording.” It was a public, deeply irresponsible opinion that perpetuated the kind of disbelief and victim-shaming that so many…
— Asante Mokhuoa (@AsanteOnBoards) April 6, 2025
We can’t even tell if your apology comes from genuine remorse for your vile actions or if you’re only apologizing because everyone is calling you out. The fact that even crossed your mind is troubling man. Smh
— S U N R I S E ✨ (@sheabutterhun) April 5, 2025
The issue is that you often feel the need to insert your 2 cents into every topic, which leads to you constantly off-ramping. As for the apology — like many others under this tweet, I also question its sincerity. It seems more like you’re apologising because you’re being called…
— Xhosa is ??? ™®Sir Taka Tina (@TakaTina1) April 6, 2025
Although Penuel initially issued a public apology where he acknowledged his wrongdoing, he has since deleted both posts.
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