Media 'insulted me' says Zuma

2006-05-08 16:57

Johannesburg - Axed deputy president Jacob Zuma castigated the media for having pre-judged him after he was acquitted on a charge of rape in the Johannesburg High on Monday.

Speaking in Zulu after the verdict, he told supporters at Beyers Naude Square: "They insulted me and called me names."

Without identifying anyone, he added: "Others were not doing it on their own but were sent by some people somewhere."

Zuma said that he had all along maintained his innocence, making it clear he would not discuss the matter in the media but in court.

"But since 09:00 this morning, the judge has been going into what was factual and what not - and has finally concluded that I am innocent."

Zuma was speaking from the steps of the Johannesburg Public Library with supporters, some of whom took up position in surrounding trees.

He thanked them for standing behind him throughout the trial that got underway on March 7.

Zuma, 64, has been accused of raping a 31-year-old HIV-positive woman in the guest bedroom of his Johannesburg home on November 2 last year.

Presiding Judge Willem van der Merwe agreed with Zuma's version that the two had consensual sex in his bedroom.

- SAPA