SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa's presidential succession race took a dramatic twist yesterday as former deputy president Jacob Zuma walked free from court, acquitted of a rape charge.
Hundreds of supporters of the politician broke through police lines surrounding Johannesburg high court to celebrate the judgment, which was broadcast to a spellbound nation.
In a ruling delivered over six hours, Judge Willem van der Merwe said he accepted Mr Zuma's claim that he had consensual sex with the 31-year-old complainant - a HIV-positive family friend.
However, the judge said it was "inexcusable" for the defendant to do so without wearing a condom.
Supporters of the former ANC freedom fighter believe the path has been cleared for his political rehabilitation.
However, Mr Zuma must still undergo a trial for corruption, starting on July 31st.
Women's right's activists strongly criticised yesterday's ruling, accusing the judge of placing undue emphasis on the manner in which the complainant was dressed.
Dawn Cavanagh of People Opposing Women Abuse, who had held a vigil outside the courtroom for the duration of the two-month trial, described the judgment as a "terrible setback for women's rights but not altogether unsurprising".
Mr Zuma, who told the court that he had showered after having had sex with the complainant because he believed it would reduce the risk of him being infected with HIV, smiled and clapped his hands after the verdict was read out. He later thanked his supporters for their loyalty, and asked them to stand behind him in the "next phase" of his struggle to clear his name.
The judge had few words of comfort for the complainant, saying she was not the meek or submissive person she was made out to be. "It appears that she is a woman who is not scared to tell men of her sexual needs," the judge remarked.
Judge van der Merwe also criticised investigating police for not properly informing the defendant of his rights. He said an attempt was made to "trap" Mr Zuma - a comment set to fuel further speculation that the rape charge was politically inspired.
Mr Zuma did not escape censure in the ruling, however, with the judge commenting: "It is totally unacceptable that a man should have unprotected sex with a person other than his regular partner and definitely not with a person who, to his knowledge, is HIV positive.
"Had Rudyard Kipling known of this case at the time he wrote his poem If, he might have added the following line: And if you can control your body and your sexual urges, then you are a man my son." Mr Zuma was sacked by President Thabo Mbeki in June 2005 after he was charged with two counts of corruption. The rape charge was brought against him six months later.
Devotees from Zuma's Kwazulu-Natal homeland, some dressed in traditional warrior outfits, danced and chanted his name outside court yesterday as the verdict was read out.
In contrast, a small group of women's rights activists stood motionless holding placards expressing solidarity with Khwezi - as the complainant has become known.
In a poignant final statement before freeing Mr Zuma, the judge said "exhibit one" - the kanga, or traditional African dress worn by the woman on the night of the sexual encounter, "may be handed back" to her as she had requested.
The woman, who was placed under a police witness protection programme, was not in court, and is reportedly planning to flee the country fearing for her safety.