South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the arrest of radio personality Penny Ntuli and her friend after a controversial roadside twerking video went viral.
The video, which spread rapidly across TikTok, Instagram, and X, showed Ntuli and her companion dancing provocatively by the roadside.
Both women were seen moving dangerously close to speeding vehicles, sparking outrage and safety concerns nationwide.
While many social media users dismissed the incident as playful entertainment, others condemned the act as reckless and irresponsible.
Authorities also warned that the stunt could have led to fatal accidents, as distracted drivers might have lost control on the busy road.
In a statement from the Presidency, Ramaphosa strongly criticized the behavior.
He insisted that freedom of expression must not endanger human lives. According to him, entertainment should never put road users at risk.
“Freedom must be exercised responsibly. Putting lives at risk under the guise of entertainment is unacceptable.
Law enforcement has been directed to take swift action,” the Presidency said.
National Debate Over Safety and Punishment
The arrest order has triggered mixed reactions across South Africa. Supporters of the President’s move believe strong action is needed to discourage others from copying such dangerous behavior.
They argue that allowing the incident to go unpunished could encourage reckless stunts in the future.
On the other hand, critics accuse the government of overreacting.
They argue that the issue should have been handled with a warning or fine instead of an arrest.
Some claim the controversy reflects deeper frustration among young people who often turn to viral challenges for attention.
Despite the criticisms, authorities are standing firm.
Police sources confirmed they had been instructed to locate and arrest Ntuli and her companion for questioning.
Possible charges could include public indecency, reckless endangerment, or obstructing traffic.
Social Media Divided
The roadside video has dominated discussions online.
Hashtags related to Penny Ntuli have trended for hours, with fans defending her while others demanded accountability.
Some commentators argue that celebrities must act responsibly because their actions often influence young followers.
As the case develops, many will watch closely to see whether Ramaphosa’s directive leads to prosecution or public backlash.
Either way, the incident has sparked a wider debate on how far freedom of expression should go when public safety is at stake.
