Zuma cleared or rape
Updated on 08 May 2006
South African politican Jacob Zuma has been cleared of rape.
Former South African deputy-President Zuma smiles at supporters after his acquittal in Johannesburg (Reuters)
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It was a sensational case that opened deep rifts throughout South Africa. Jacob Zuma, a former deputy president and presidential hopeful, accused of the rape of a young woman -- an HIV positive campaigner who was a family friend.
But today he was acquitted as a Johannesburg court ruled the woman HAD consented to sex. Women's groups condemned the decision, calling it the biggest set back in decades, in a country where a woman is raped every 26 seconds.
But Mr Zuma's supporters claim he's been the victim of a conspiracy - to stop him running for office. Our international editor Lindsey Hilsum reports.
