If the detailed documents provided by the Scorpions are anything to go by, the number-two leader in the country has extravagant taste in clothes.

The lengthy charge sheet against Jacob Zuma's long-time friend, Durban businessman Schabir Shaik, revealed that between August 14 and October 26 2001, Zuma spent R50 000 on clothing at the upmarket Casanova boutique in the Durban city centre, which stocks imported designer labels such as Hugo Boss.

The bill is alleged to have been picked up by Shaik.

The boutique in Albert Street is the shopping choice for several high-profile people, including Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and provincial premier Lionel Mtshali.

Rumour has it that a wealthy Indian businessman, who was in Durban for the Cricket World Cup in February, was so impressed with the Casanova range of clothing that he requested the store be shut for several hours while he shopped in private.

At the time that Zuma is alleged to have shopped at Casanova, he was already the country's deputy president and held a similar position in the ANC.

The Scorpions charge sheet, however, does not detail what exactly was purchased. It showed, however, that on August 14, Zuma paid R10 000 to Casanova for clothing and just before the end of that month he paid a further R8 000 to the same shop for more clothes.

On September 26, Zuma also forked out R18 000 for clothing to Casanova and in October 26 he paid a further R14 000 for clothing.

But yesterday, P Magan, whose father Vanmali Magan was the founder of the Casanova boutique, said that as far as he was aware, Zuma had been to the shop only once.

"Like many other dignitaries who come to our shop - even Nelson Mandela bought from us - it was a one-off," said Magan.

With acknowledgements to Sipho Khumalo and The Star.