Skeem Saam fans are split up over Toby’s (Sicelo Buthelezi) 15-year sentence for raping Turfloop learner, Ntswaki (Lethabo Mekoa).
Viewers feel that Toby should have received a lesser sentence as Ntswaki lied about her age, while others reveal he didn’t r*pe her.
Toby’s mother, Evelyn Maswahla (Vele Manenje) was devastated on Wednesday’s (16 October) episode when the judge revealed her son was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The judge revealed: “One party remained active during the s*xual act while the other was not. It is clear that Ntswaki was raped”.
On the show, Ntswaki changed her mind about sleeping with her boyfriend after receiving missed calls from the Maputlas.
She told Toby that she has to go home and has to rush home, but he goes through with it, without her consent.
A viewer @Akhona_PQ said after the Wednesday episode: “What did we learn? Consent can be revoked anytime. Toby knew Ntswaki wanted to go home but he coerced her to stay. That is not consent. Ntswaki was not reciprocating in the se*ual act. Toby admitted it. That is not consent.”
‘SKEEM SAAM’ FANS RESPOND TO EPISODE
@tumi_kennaTumi: “I thought you guys were teaching us. What happened?? A regret s*x ain’t r*pe.”
@Modipadi_W: “But we know that Toby didn’t do that to her. Is it possible to send someone who violated you a thank you msg, saying you enjoyed the deed, and you should do it again? We still remember that msg, Toby replied by saying he’s sorry he couldn’t accompany her home. Unless if along the way someone violently her.”
@Laz_tm: “Good lesson on sex and constent, many women and men are being abused out there.”
@Ketso28: “Thank you for the storyline. There are rape stories every day; stories of violence & you made it a conversation that needs to be had. We are giving you flowers not because of the sentencing, but the decision to educate both women & men about consent. Thank you.”
@MissyyyLP: “This is a sad reality for most people out there. Maybe doing a little research about a person you want to sleep with can keep you out of jail. Even though Ntswaki lied about her age, sleeping with a minor unknowingly is still statutory rape.”