Publication: Sapa Issued: Johannesburg Date: 2006-02-13 Reporter: Sapa Reporter: Reporter:

Zuma Gets Hero's Welcome Outside Court

 

Publication 

Sapa
BC-COURT-ZUMA-6TH-LD-PROTESTERS 

Issued

Johannesburg
Date 2006-02-13

Reporter

 Sapa

 

Former deputy president Jacob Zuma was hoisted onto a makeshift podium outside the Johannesburg High Court on Monday to address about 3 000 supporters after judge president Bernard Ngoepe recused himself from the trial.

The crowd whistled and chanted "Lethu Mshini Wali (sic)" (Give me my gun) (sic).

After a short speech in Zulu explaining the court proceedings he led the crowd with the song "Letu Mshini Wali".

Zuma promised to thank his supporters properly at the end of his rape trial.

"As you know, when the case is in progress, I can't speak," he said.

"At the end I will get the chance to thank you. I want to thank you for your support and I think it is special."

Zuma told the crowd that he was happy that Ngoepe had recused himself.

"What has happened is that a judge has decided to step down. We are happy with the decision because we were not going to be satisfied with him in the case.

"He was the one who gave permission to the Scorpions to search my houses."

The crowd chanted "Zuma, Zuma, Zuma" when he pushed his way through them, got into his car and was driven away.

They dispersed afterwards in pouring rain and by 3.30pm the streets around the court building had been reopened to traffic.

Family and friends of the woman at the centre of the trial said while they had faith in the justice system, delays would make it harder for people laying rape charges.

"So long as justice is delayed, you stay a victim in the meantime," said Prudence Mabele, executive director of the Positive Women's Network.

Mabele was speaking after judge Ngoepe recused himself from the trial.

Delphe Serumaga, executive director of People Opposed to Woman's Abuse, said: "It is important that we get on with this case".

Both women were among the family and friends that filled the first row in court for the trial.

Mabele said the alleged victim was "doing fine".

National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Makhosini Nkosi said the State was ready to proceed, no matter which judge presided.

"Any judge can hear this matter", said Nkosi. "We just want justice for the victim."

With acknowledgements to Sapa.


*1  Lethu Mshini Wami [Bring Me My Machine (Gun)]