He was Mandela's heir. Now he's accused of raping woman who called him Uncle

Jonathan Clayton
Times Online
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Johannesburg (South Africa):
He aspired to be South Africa’s next leader and considered himself the rightful heir to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, a black man ready to lead his people to peace and prosperity.
But yesterday Jacob Zuma stood in the dock in a Johannesburg courtroom accused of rape, his quest for the presidency apparently in ruins. As political demises go, it could hardly have been more dramatic.
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See Also:
Zuma flushes as rape accuser takes the stand
Media missing the point, say rights group
A hero's rape trial reopens South Africa's gender rift
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A hushed courtroom listened as an HIV-positive Aids activist recounted in graphic detail on the first day of his trial how she had been raped by the trusted friend of her family.
Mr Zuma, 63, pleaded not guilty to the rape charges, but admitted consensual sex with the woman, who stayed the night at his house.
Supporters say that he is the victim of a political assassination and that rape is the most damaging charge imaginable. Opponents allege that it is a political suicide brought on by the arrogance of power. Whatever the truth — and most people believe that it will never be known — until the middle of last year, Mr Zuma, a charismatic politician popular with the grassroots, was riding high, confident of the top job in a matter of years.
Mar 07, 2006