Mbeki reacts to rape charge against Zuma

President Thabo Mbeki says the ANC is going through an extremely difficult patch, and issues around former deputy president Jacob Zuma fill him with sadness. Answering questions about Zuma during a live broadcast on the SABC’s Radio Metro last night, Mbeki said people should spare a thought for Zuma’s alleged rape victim. Zuma was charged with rape in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. Mbeki said the ANC supported Zuma while he was being charged with corruption earlier this year. However, he said the party also supported the woman who had laid the rape charge. Mbeki added that the law should be respected, as it was important to stick to the principle that a person should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.