The latest episode of Mzansi Magic's Yobe caused a social media frenzy when a convicted rapist seeks the forgiveness of the woman he raped "because of what she wore on the day".
The show, presented by actor Siyabonga Twala, follows the journeys of convicts who try to make amends with the victims of their crimes.
Khubone, who was 16 at the time, held 13-year-old Betty at knife point and led her to a nearby veld, where he raped her.
Khubone, who is currently serving a 12-year sentence, wrote a letter seeking Betty to pardon him.
When the social worker asked Khubone how he will respond should Betty ask why did he chose to rape her, he said, it was because she was wearing tight pants.
Viewers flocked to Twitter to express their fury to that statement, with some saying Khubone 's apology is not sincere, others said he just wanted to get parole.
It’s disgusting how rapists defend their actions by blaming it on the way a victim was dressed! #Yobe #1Magic #MzansiMagic
— I Am Gu2Ngwenya© (@gu2ngwenya) May 12, 2018
I find it hard to believe it's a genuine apology so far. These champs are applying for parole. I'm waiting for recent convicts to come through. #Yobe pic.twitter.com/1nLwc7i7Bu
— Portia Greg (@portia_moz) May 15, 2018
just because she wears mini skirts and tight dresses don't mean she deserves to be raped,everyone should be free to wear whatever they want to.
There's no valid reason to rape, someone!
— theYoungerpapi 👳 (@05_dannyHENDRIX) May 15, 2018
This guy is actually selfish, he wants to talk to her so HE can feel better!! He doesn't deserve that
Raping a 13 year old because she was wearing "tight jeans" #Yobe
— karabo mosoeu (@rabo_mosoeu) May 15, 2018
No amount of apologies can ever be enough to heal her wounds... he stole her innocence. He imprisoned her for a lifetime....
Kub'hlungu maan! #Yobe pic.twitter.com/BZY1rSDoaG
— MsThando To You (@t_h_a_n_d_o_h_) May 15, 2018
No No No!!!
No Mercy for Rapists!!!
I dont want to hear anything! #YobeMzansi #Yobe pic.twitter.com/jky3ejPBks
— Motaung Wa Ramokhele (@Mathabo__M) May 15, 2018
WE DO NOT FORGIVE RAPISTS!!!!! #YobeMzansi
— Karabo Motlhabi (@Kay_IceQueen) May 15, 2018
No mercy for a rapists #YobeMzansi pic.twitter.com/o2QbbZ388A
— Mcebo_Indigoflower13 (@IndigoFlower1) May 15, 2018
Tweeps' fury escalated when Betty reminded Khubone's mother of some of the hurtful things she said to her in defense to his son.
Betty explained that the perpetrator's mother told her mother to have left the matter alone as the kids were drunk and implied the sex was consensual.
The mother denied saying anything, she added that she doesn't even remember her.
💔💔💔💔💔 women ARE the gatekeepers of patriarchy.
Rapist’s mom essentially blaming the lady for being raped. Even told the lady’s mom not to get involved mo di tabeng tsa bana. Wow. #Yobe
— ✨ Hloni Mtimkulu ✨ (@Hloni__) May 15, 2018
I think his mom is worse. These mothers who always find something wrong with the victim of their sons actions need to be arrested self! My rapists mom was also the same, she blamed it all on me, a 10 year old! Nxa!
— Intombi_Yomzulu (@Sue_Mvy) May 15, 2018
How does a mother not remember the face of the person who sent her son to jail?
She's a liar
She's trash #YobeMzansi #yobe pic.twitter.com/8IHbDYh6ez
— one sided coin (@chyoma_EG) May 15, 2018
Haybo the mother of the accused humiliated the victim now she has a sudden amnesia of the event on that day , theu shouldn't have asked for an apology ,because they ruined her life ,broke her family ,her freedom #Yobe
— Please RT my pinned tweet (@Nzwakele92) May 15, 2018
This is too much, even the perpetrators mother was wrong... how can a woman condone rape #YobeMzansi pic.twitter.com/UtFW73ZjIT
— Pedi Kueen👑👑👑 (@Kueen_D) May 15, 2018
Though Betty seemed hurt and angry, she said she forgave both Khubone and his mother. Betty was commended for declaring that she's not a victim but a survivor.
Other survivors also took to Twitter to share their heartbreaking stories.
“ I’m not your victim, I’m a survivor. I survived what you did to me “ - Betty
Wow! What a woman 🙌🏾✊🏾 #Yobe
— Asibabale Ndlakuse (@MsAcyB) May 15, 2018
“I am not a victim of rape, I am a survivor and to all the other women who have been raped....” #YobeMzansi #Yobe pic.twitter.com/Uqgbgx4C8Q
— Viola Lesego M (@_vyola) May 15, 2018
Yobe airs on channel 161 Mzansi Magic every Tuesday at 8pm