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South African Judge Rules Zuma Not Guilty in Rape Trial
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=121FFC0:415DB6A The judge says, in
verdict broadcast live on television, that the two had consensual sex





Jacob Zuma stands in the dock during the verdict in his rape trial in
Johannesburg

The judge in South Africa's high-profile trial of former Deputy
President Jacob Zuma has ruled he is not guilty of raping a family
friend. 

The judge said, in a verdict broadcast live on television, that the
two had consensual sex.

The 31-year-old HIV positive accuser said Zuma forced her to have sex
with him when she was staying at his home. Zuma had maintained the sex
was consensual and the accusations were part of a campaign to destroy
his political career.

Some five-thousand Zuma supporters are gathered outside the
courthouse, which is under tight security.

The trial of the 64-year-old anti-apartheid veteran has focused
attention on South Africa's high incidence of rape and HIV infection.

Zuma was once considered a strong contender to succeed President Thabo
Mbeki, who fired him because of corruption-related accusations last
year.

Zuma is to stand trial on corruption charges in July.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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