Anele slams Ramaphosa, says Khwezi bombshell ‘a cheap political trick’

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.

Really Ramaphosa, NOW YOU BELIEVE KHWEZI…wow !!! Why not say anything when she was alive and begging to be believed and supported ?? What a cheap trick to win presidency. SIES.

— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) December 8, 2017

https://twitter.com/NovaTruly/status/939011413095284738

Anyone who believed #Khwezi should have spoken up earlier. Let her not be a political point to score. She's worth more. #702TownHall

— AngelaDaniels (@AngeeDaniels) December 7, 2017

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.

https://twitter.com/Putin_____02/status/939030419860623360

Haai guys, let's stop wondering why Ramaphosa only came out now. There was nothing that he could have done for Khwezi. Let's appreciate that Zuma's peers are finally calling him out for the rapist that he is! #702TownHall pic.twitter.com/SZLnhIJ8Lx

— Morolong (@TowardsUhuru) December 7, 2017

Before you accuse Ramaphosa of using Khwezi to campaign, he has never at any instance spoke of Khwezi on his own accord, it was a response to a question by a journalist. Had he said he doesn’t believe Khwezi you will still be outraged.

— Bra Nape (@Nape_MM) December 8, 2017

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.

//

For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.