2005-11-15,+SACP+on+rape+allegations+against+ANC+Dep+Pres+Zuma

= SACP STATEMENT ON NEW RAPE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE ANC DEPUTY PRESIDENT CDE JACOB ZUMA =

The South African Communist Party (SACP) is shocked and disturbed by the new allegations made by a Sunday newspaper that Cde Jacob Zuma has sexually assaulted a woman at his Johannesburg home.

What we find deeply disturbing is that these allegations are printed despite repeated denials by both the alleged perpetrator and victim, thus reinforcing the perception that sections of the media are part of a broader and concerted campaign to discredit Cde Zuma.

As the SACP we wish to caution that allegations of this nature can only be made once the facts have been properly established through the relevant institutions, like a charge sheet before a court of law. Otherwise we run the danger of the media treating prominent personalities in our societies as sitting ducks for all manner of accusations and libelling. This poses one of the biggest dangers to our democracy and we therefore call upon the media to desist from such practices, unless and until facts surrounding such matters are established beyond reasonable doubt.

It is the responsibility for all to act responsibly and avoid inflaming what is already a tense situation regarding the manner in which Cde Zuma has been treated by some of the organs of state and the media in the past.


 * Issued: by the 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**


 * Website: [|www.sacp.org.za]**