The President of South Africa Jacob Zuma was acquitted of a rape allegation in 2006 before becoming president in 2009 but his vice president, Cyril Ramaphosa has said that his boss could be guilty of the crime.
Ramaphosa who is the leading contender for the leadership of the governing African National Congress (ANC) has told local media that he “would believe” Jacob Zuma’s accuser.
President Zuma in 2006 was acquitted of raping Fezekile Kuzwayo who happens to be the daughter of an old family friend.
Mr Zuma said during the trial that he had consensual sex with his accuser and his argument was accepted by a High Court.
Ms Kuzwayo who fled abroad later died, but Zuma’s deputy Cyril Ramaphosa, says he has some concerns about the case and praised Ms Kuzwayo’s courage for taking the case to court.
Meanwhile the South African president has issued a statement saying that “The rape allegations against President Zuma were properly considered by a judge of the High Court. Having evaluated the totality of the evidence, the court acquitted the president of the rape charges,”
The statement further said that “The Presidency affirms the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the primacy of the courts as the final arbiters in disputes in society.”
Mr Zuma will step down as ANC leader at its national conference, due to start on 16 December with Ramaphosa tipped to replace him.
Source: Africafeeds.com
