Publication: The Star Issued: Date: 2006-02-10 Reporter: Karyn Maughan Reporter: Reporter:

Joburg CBD Braced for Zuma's Rape Trial

 

Publication 

The Star
Date 2006-02-10

Reporter

 Karyn Maughan

Web Link

www.thestar.co.za

 

An estimated 5 000 pro- and anti-Jacob Zuma demon strators are expected to bring traffic around the Johannesburg High Court to a halt when he appears on a charge of rape.

This has prompted a road closure and the deployment of about 100 police officials.

The Chief Superintendent of Joburg's metro police, Wayne Minnaar, told The Star yesterday that the Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust Fund and the women's rights group People Opposing Women Abuse had been granted permits to demonstrate outside the court.

"We are not expecting a confrontation, but we are prepared for every eventuality," said Minnaar.

He stressed that both groups, which are at opposite poles in their perspectives on the trial, still needed the High Court's permission to protest.

Asked about how many days the closure of Pritchard Street between Von Brandis and Von Wielligh would be in effect, Minnaar said he was not sure. Traffic would be diverted to President and Jeppe streets.

The office of Provincial Police Commissioner Perumal Naidoo had yet to answer any queries about security in the High Court itself.

Spokesperson Mary Martins-Engelbrecht sent a brief e-mail yesterday, apologising for the delay in responding. "It was decided that all related inquiries will be dealt with by the Department of Justice's Mr Augustyn. Unfortunately I do not have his details," she wrote.

As a result, The Star remains in the dark about the following queries, which it sent on Wednesday morning:

1. Will the court be swept for electronic surveillance equipment?

2. What steps have been taken to avoid conflict similar to that between Zuma's bodyguards and members of the media at the Durban High Court this week?

3. What level of co-operation exists between Zuma's bodyguards and the police?

4. The Star has received information that a multi-agency committee has been formed, charged with security issues. Will it incorporate any private security agents?

5. Will Zuma be required to enter court through the front door?

6. Can you provide an estimate of the cost involved in securing the court for the duration of the trial?

While local and foreign media have speculated that the rape charge could mean the end of his political career and has caused his once-strident support base to dwindle, Zuma Trust Fund members have insisted that their planned demonstration outside court will show that "Zuma is still considered a leader to many people".

A leading member of the Zuma clan, Silas Zuma, said a number of family members would be attending the trial.

With acknowledgements to Karyn Maughan and The Star.