The exclusive boutique pictured on the right denied that Deputy President Jacob Zuma bought clothing to the value of R50 000 over a two-month period in 2001.

Casanova, in Durban's Albert Street, stocks designer labels like Hugo Boss and Armani and is a favourite of statesmen, actors and sports stars.

It was named in the charge sheet when Zuma's financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, appeared in the Durban District Court on Monday charged with fraud, corruption and contravention of a section of the Income Tax Act.

The charge sheet contained a long list of alleged payments by Shaik and the Nkobi group to or on Zuma's behalf from June 17 1999 to September 30 2002, including about R50 000 to Casanova.

The multi-storey boutique's range includes suits costing nearly R12 000, shirts priced at over R2 000 and ties for more than R800.

Although the charge sheet did not specify the items bought, it listed payments to Casanova on four days, between August 14 2001 and October 26 2001. On one day - September 26 2001 - an amount of R18 000 was allegedly paid to the boutique.

This week, a spokesman for Casanova, who did not want to be named, said Zuma had only once visited the store. " He never bought R50 000 of clothes," said the spokesman, adding "Shaik has been a client for many years."

With acknowledgement to Ilse Fredericks and the Sunday Times.