Jacob Zuma formally charged with rape

Jacob Zuma has formally been charged with rape. The former deputy president appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court early this morning. A 31-year-old Aids activist has accused him of raping her at his Forrest Town home, but Zuma denies the allegations. It is understood that Zuma’s lawyer Michael Hulley consulted with police before his court appearance. He says his client will respond to the charges in a statement later today. It is not yet clear whether Zuma will stand down as deputy president of the ANC now that he has been charged with rape.