Zuma's rape accuser flees SA
2006-05-11 12:30
Johannesburg - The woman who accused former deputy president Jacob Zuma of rape has fled into exile after a judge acquitted Zuma of the politically explosive charge, a Johannesburg daily reported on Thursday.
The Sunday Times said at the weekend authorities had decided to send the woman into exile over concerns for her safety following the trial during which Zuma's supporters shouting "burn the bitch" set alight photos of the accuser in front of the courthouse.
The Star said the 31-year-old woman, who cannot be named under South African law, was brought to Johannesburg airport under heavy guard on Wednesday night and escorted through check-in.
She waved to relatives and then proceeded to board a flight to a destination the newspaper said it knew but did not disclose.
The National Prosecution Authority declined comment on the report, referring inquiries to police.
Police spokesperson Sally de Beer said: "I have no comment on that. Any comment on a witness under protection would be extremely counterproductive."
Since accusing Zuma of rape, the woman's family home in KwaZulu-Natal was reportedly twice broken into by unknown people. She and her mother have since been under police protection.
Daily demonstrations
The nearly two-month trial was marked by daily demonstrations by supporters of Zuma, one of South Africa's most charismatic politicians and once seen as the frontrunner to succeed President Thabo Mbeki in 2009.
Zuma and his supporters characterised the rape charges as part of a smear campaign by his enemies in the African National Congress (ANC) determined to prevent him from becoming the next president.
Zuma denied the rape allegations, and Judge Willem van der Merwe acquitted him on Monday, accepting his testimony that she had consensual sex with the HIV-positive woman.
At a news conference on Tuesday Zuma tendered an unreserved apology for having unprotected sex with the long-time family friend, even though he knew she was infected with HIV.
He also issued an appeal for the woman to be left in peace to pursue a normal life in South Africa.
Anti-rape campaigners, who staged rival protests at the trial, said Zuma supporters had hurled abuse and lobbed objects at activists and a woman mistaken for the accuser.
Police guards shielded the woman and hustled her past baying Zuma supporters on the days she testified in court, accusing Zuma of raping her last November during an overnight stay at his Johannesburg home.
The rape charges followed Zuma's sacking by Mbeki in June amid a corruption scandal. Zuma faces a separate trial on graft charges in July. He denies any wrongdoing.