Zuma speaks out on Ramaphosa’s shock Khwezi comments
Through his spokesperson Bongani Nqulunga, President Jacob Zuma said the rule of law had been upheld in his rape trial.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Jacob Zuma
During a radio interview with 702’s Karima Brown, Ramaphosa was asked what his views were on the rape allegation that Khwezi Khuzwayo brought against Zuma in 2005.
Ramaphosa responded that he knew how difficult it was for a woman to make such a claim hence he was inclined to believe Khwezi.
“What the judge said is not a fable it is the reality that finally led to President Jacob Zuma’s acquittal. But at the same time, there is a side of me that says ‘yes there was a young woman who complained she was raped, but I have to listen to that and pay heed to that and pledge my sympathy and my empathy to her story,” Ramaphosa said.
The presidency has reacted to his comments and issued a statement today.
“The rape allegations against President Zuma were properly considered by a Judge of the High Court. Having evaluated the totality of the evidence, the court acquitted the President of the rape charges.
The Presidency affirms the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the primacy of the courts as the final arbiters in disputes in society.”
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