Zuma: NPA has no comment

2005-11-29 16:49

Johannesburg - The police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have opted for silence on a statement from Jacob Zuma on Tuesday that a rape probe against him remained incomplete.

NPA spokesperson Makhosini Nkosi said he had seen the statement from the former deputy president, but added: "I have no comment whatsoever."

He referred Sapa to national police spokesperson Director Sally de Beer who said: "We don't comment on investigations."

Zuma's lawyer, Mike Hulley, said his client would not comment on the rape allegations as the police investigation was still underway.

"We are advised that such investigations remain incomplete and that a further period is warranted in order to complete such investigation under the direction of the National Prosecuting Authority," he said in a statement.

Zuma acknowledged that the police were the appropriate agency to deal with allegations and should be allowed to complete their work free from interference and speculation.

Zuma, out of respect for due process, would reserve further comment on the matter until the police had completed its probe.

"We feel that such an approach is in keeping with the integrity with which the police have dealt with the investigation, in contrast with that of some media organisations."

The National Prosecuting Authority received a docket from the police on allegations last week. It has to decide whether Zuma should be prosecuted.

According to various media reports, a 31-year-old woman said she was raped at Zuma's house in Forest Town, Johannesburg, in early November.

Zuma has denied the rape allegation. He goes to court in July next year to defend himself against charges of corruption, which he has also denied.

Many of Zuma's supporters believe there is a campaign against him to stop him becoming the next president of the African National Congress.

- SAPA