Zuma mum on rape case
2005-11-29 14:21
Cape Town - Former deputy president Jacob Zuma has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation led by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) over allegations of rape, saying in a statement on Tuesday he would reserve comment until after the investigation had been completed.
A number of media reports had speculated that Zuma would announce his resignation as deputy president of the ruling ANC on Tuesday should he be charged formally.
A media release issued by laywer Michael Hulley on behalf of Zuma said that they'd been advised by members of the SAPS that the investigation into the alleged rape remained incomplete, and that more time was warranted in order to complete the investigation under the direction of the NPA.
"We acknowledge that the SAPS are the appropriate agency to deal with allegations of such a serious nature and that they should be allowed to complete their work free from
interference and speculation.
"In the circumstances, Zuma, out of respect for due process, will reserve any further comment on the matter until such time as the SAPS have completed their work.
"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 statement said.