#RememberKhwezi protesters. Picture: Twitter.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa dropped a bombshell on South Africa when he admitted for the first time that he believes Fezeka Kuzwayo, also known as Khwezi, was raped by President Jacob Zuma.
Speaking on Talk Radio 702’s town hall discussion on the ANC’s presidential race, Ramaphosa said despite his respect for the court process, he would believe Khwezi’s rape allegation.
“I know how difficult it is for a woman to garner the courage to say ‘I was raped’. It must be one of the most difficult decisions she has to make, so yes I would believe her.”
The unexpected admission has sent shock waves across the country, with many people expressing their opinions on social media.
Several Twitter users have indicated their disgust as they believe Ramaphosa’s statement is a political tactic to garner support for his bid to become the next president of the ANC.
One user emphasised how Khwezi “is constantly used as bait by politicians”.
Thus far, four presidential hopefuls. including Ramaphosa, have been interviewed on Talk Radio 702’s town hall discussion. All three, namely National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete, Lindiwe Sisulu and ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mhize, have answered the question on Khwezi by saying they respect the court process.
A few people defended the ANC presidential candidate because they maintain that Ramaphosa answered the question appropriately.
Zuma was the deputy president South Africa when Khwezi, who was HIV-positive, accused him of raping her at his home in Johannesburg in 2005.
He denied the allegations and he was found not guilty in 2006 by the High Court in Johannesburg. Khwezi passed away last year in October.
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