2005-12-07,+SACP+Statement+new+charges+against+ANC+Deputy+President


 * Tuesday, 06 December 2005**

= **SACP Statement on new charges brought against ANC Deputy President** =

The SACP notes the charges of rape brought against the Deputy President of the ANC, Cde Jacob Zuma. We hope that the laying of charges will bring to an end the continuing media allegations and distortions around this incident, and the matter can now be tested in an open court.

As we said after our Central Committee meeting in November, such matters need to be treated with sensitivity for both the accused and the alleged victim. In doing so it needs to be reasserted that everybody needs to fully respect the rule of law, especially that everyone is innocent unless proven otherwise through fair judicial processes.

We also note the announcement by Cde Zuma that he is stepping aside from his ANC duties until the court proceedings regarding this charge are brought to a close. While we still maintain that a person should be viewed innocent unless a competent court finds otherwise, we commend the fact that Cde Zuma appreciates the sensitivities regarding allegations of this nature. We hope for a speedy but fair trial to bring this matter to finality as soon as possible.

As the SACP we further reaffirm our view that rape is a very serious matter.


 * Issued by: SACP**


 * CONTACT:**


 * Kaizer Mohau**
 * Media Liaison Officer**
 * South African Communist Party (SACP)**
 * Tel: 011 339 3621/2**
 * Fax: 011 339 4244/6880**
 * Mobile: 076 573 7764**
 * Email: kaizer@sacp.org.za**
 * Web portal: [|www.sacp.org.za]**