The following is a condensed version of a statement made by Jacob Zuma, which was entered into evidence in full in the Johannesburg High Court yesterday.

He had given the statement to police on November 10, six days after his accuser laid a charge of rape against him.

It reads in part: I the undersigned Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma do hereby make oath and state:

I have been made aware that a charge of rape has been brought against me by one XXXX XXXX.

I protest my innocence and vehemently deny the charge, to which, if the matter proceeds, I intend to plead not guilty.

On Tuesday 1 November 2005 arising out of a telephone conversation, XXXX suggested that she visit me at my Forest Town residence. I agreed and she duly arrived at approximately 5pm.

During the course of the evening we had supper together with a friend and another member of my family.

Later that evening after I had finished work in my study we again began to converse and share in each other's company privately.

Much later that evening at approximately 11.30pm she retired to the room prepared for her, where she spent the night.

It was only some days later that I was advised that a charge of rape had been laid against me and that XXXX was the complainant.

At the beginning of the rape trial, on March 6, Zuma made a different statement to the court, which was entered into evidence at the start of the trial.

The statement in response to his being asked to plead was read into the record as follows: I the undersigned accused plead not guilty.

The complainant visited my home on November 2 2005 and stayed overnight of her own volition.

We had sex, which lasted for some time and was consensual and with her consent.

At no stage was the sex against her will.

With acknowledement to Cape Argus.