South Africa's deputy 'would believe' Jacob Zuma rape accusation
South Africa's deputy president has said he would believe the young woman who accused President Jacob Zuma of rape more than a decade ago.
The rape allegation has haunted Mr Zuma for years despite his acquittal in court and has remained a popular topic in South Africa as the #MeToo movement spreads.
Deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa told local radio station 702 that he "would believe" Fezekile Kuzwayo, who accused Mr Zuma before he became president in 2009.
The ruling African National Congress party will choose a new leader this month, and that person is likely to become South Africa's next president in 2019.
Mr Ramaphosa and Mr Zuma's ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma are leading candidates for the post.
The president's office responded to Mr Ramaphosa's comments, saying in a statement that the presidency affirms "the primacy of the courts as the final arbiters in disputes in society".
AP
