Zuma’s deputy backs rape case against him

SOUTH AFRICA’S deputy president has said he is inclined to believe the young woman who accused President Jacob Zuma of rape as a split at the top of the country’s ruling party appeared to widen ahead of the selection of a new leader.

Cyril Ramaphosa gave credence on Thursday to the allegations as he was further empowered by a ruling that crippled Mr Zuma’s attempts to whitewash a corruption probe.

The High Court ruled yesterday that Mr Zuma’s appointment of a state prosecutor to decide whether to reinstate corruption charges against him was not valid.

The rape allegation has haunted Mr Zuma for years despite his acquittal in court and has remained a popular topic in South Africa as the #Metoo movement spreads. Mr Ramaphosa told a radio station that he “would believe” Fezekile Kuzwayo, who accused Mr Zuma before he took power in 2009.

The African National Congress will choose a new leader next week, and that person is likely to become president in 2019. Mr Ramaphosa and Mr Zuma’s ex-wife Nkosazana Dlaminizuma are the leading candidates.