South Africa: New book addresses Zuma rape scandal

18 Septembre 2017

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 18 (Infosplusgabon) - President Jacob Zuma’s sexual promiscuity has once again come back to haunt him. The latest humiliation for Zuma, who is fighting for his political survival following a wave of high-profile scandals, is the publication of a tell-all book by a woman who claimed he had raped her and fought a bruising court battle against him.

In December 2005, Zuma was charged with raping 31-year-old Khwezi Kuzwayo at his home in Johannesburg. The book, called "Khwezi" was written by leading journalist and radio personality Redi Tlhabi who also reveals how Zuma once asked her to sleep over at the same house.

It contains damning allegations about how state institutions and resources were used against Kuzwayo who was HIV-positive when Zuma slept with her. He claimed in court that the sex was consensual and he was acquitted of rape.

The tell-all book also reveals that Kuzwayo was raped as a child.

Politician Zweli Mkhize, who is running for the presidency, has addressed the book and his involvement in the saga. He released a statement saying Zuma in 2005 revealed to him that he had had sexual intercourse with Kuzwayo, a daughter of an activist in the liberation struggle.

“I must express my discomfort and reservations to publicly talk about this matter. I have over the years avoided doing so because of my appreciation of Fezeka’s right to privacy and human dignity,” he said, adding that he denies ever persuading Kuzwayo to drop the rape charges.

Kuzwayo who was forced to leave the country after the trial and died two years ago after a long illness.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/OLP/GABON 2017

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