I am not a rapist, says Zuma
2006-03-24 11:04
Johannesburg - Axed deputy president Jacob Zuma says he isn't a rapist and doesn't struggle to have "liaisons" with women.
He told the Sowetan newspaper in an interview published on Friday he'd never condone the abuse of women.
He said the media and his detractors wanted to nail him to the cross like Jesus Christ.
"[The media] have crucified me for something I did not do."
Zuma is accused of raping a 31-year-old family friend at his Johannesburg home in November last year. He is also facing corruption charges over his dealings with convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik, who was once his financial adviser.
In the interview he singled out former National Prosecuting head Bulelani Ngcuka and former justice minister Penuell Maduna as some people who had solicited the help of editors to destroy him.
Zuma wouldn't say how many wives or children he had, saying he would "reveal all" in a book he would continue writing after his trials were finished.
- SAPA